The Physics Behind a Home Made Drum

[richricky123]

Homework Statement

OK so for a project in my physics class I have to make a drum out of homemade things. I understand how to make a drum however my teacher told me that I have make the drum able to play the following notes/frequencies.
a. C (261.63 Hz)
b. D (293.66 Hz)
c. E (329.63 Hz)
d. F(349.23 Hz)
e. G (392.00 Hz)
f. A (440.00 Hz)
g. B (493.88 Hz)
h. C (523.25 Hz)
First of all, how do I know what kind of drum I need to make for each frequency (lengthwise,etc..)? What formulas do I need to know overall to do this project? The above information was really all I was given and I am clueless. If it helps any, our class is currently studying waves in our Physics book.

Heeeeelp me outt pleaaaaaaaaase!

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution

 

[jbsteele]

The formula you will need for this project is the equation for the frequency of a wave, which is f = v/λ. This equation tells us that the frequency (f) of a wave is equal to the velocity (v) of the wave divided by its wavelength (λ). To make a drum that can play each of the notes you listed, you will need to make sure that the size of the drum and the tension of the drumhead are appropriate for the frequency of the note you want to play. For example, if you want to play a C note (261.63 Hz), then you will need to make sure that the wavelength of the wave created by striking the drumhead is 261.63 meters. You can do this by adjusting the size of the drum and the tension of the drumhead. In general, lower frequencies require larger drums and higher tensions, while higher frequencies require smaller drums and lower tensions.