Faster sound decay produces broader spectral peaks, per the time-frequency uncertainty principle.

Evidence

A typical spectrum is shown in figure 8.11. Hundreds of mode frequencies pile up as frequency increases. The rate of decay of the sound can be adjusted in Oscillating Membrane from slow to fast. Fast decay of the sound renders the spectral features broader, in agreement with the time-frequency uncertainty principle. This is seen by comparing the red and black spectra (obtained by capturing the sound from Oscillating Membrane and conducting a spectrum analysis for the same strike point on the membrane with different damping times selected). — Eric J. Heller, Why You Hear What You Hear- An…, 865

Categorization

• XREF: Connects to the uncertainty principle familiar from quantum physics — a general principle linking duration in time to spread in frequency.