Problems Suggested by AN Uncertainty Principle in Acoustics

An uncertainty principle in acoustics, arising wholly from classical views, is presented. This principle is that Δν.Δt∼1, where ν is the intrinsic frequency of an acoustic signal and Δt is its time duration. Applying this principle one finds that it is consistent with experiments on the change in frequency in the vibrato and the failure to detect it by ear, with recorded tests on minimum perceptible differences in frequency, and with the minimal time for tone perception. The problems suggested by the principle are: (1) variations in Δt and Δν by an artificial vibrato with aural observations of detectable Δν, (2) redetermination of minimum perceptible differences in frequency as dependent upon Δt and (3) an examination of Δt required for tone perception with varied values of Δν