if every single sound is a different type or vibration, then how can a single speaker produce songs with multiple instruments and multiple melodies?

Question

if every single sound is a different type or vibration, then how can a single speaker produce songs with multiple instruments and multiple melodies?

In: Physics

Answer 1

Sound waves (the vibrations) add up together. If you play sound A, and sound B, then what happens is the air vibrates in the pattern (A+B). Play sound C and suddenly the waves travelling trough the air equal (A+B+C).

So, if you have a speaker and want to play A, AND B, AND C, just play a single vibration that is equal to A+B+C. Our brain are really good at splitting them apart and interpreting as three waves played at once instead of one complicated wave.