Sound
The frequency of a sound wave determines the pitch. The higher the frequency, the higher the pitch or note. Notice that the 800 Hz frequency has a short wavelength. This is because the medium that the sound wave travels through oscillates back and forth very quickly as the wave travels through it. Notice also that the 200 Hz frequency has a very large wave. This is because the amount of time that the wave takes to move the material up and down takes a long time for it to pass through. This is why it has a very large wave and a low corresponding frequency. Also notice that the amplitude is unaffected when we change pitch.
On the second picture, we are manipulating the amplitude. When we manipulate the amplitude, the frequency and wavelength is the same, however, it's much louder or softer - depending on the height of the amplitude.
Our ears perceive high amplitude as loud. The louder the sound is - the more energy it has.
Our ears perceive low amplitude as soft or quiet. The quieter the sound is - the less energy it has.
Our ears perceive high frequency as high pitch, or as a high note. The higher the note, the more energy it has.
Our ears perceive low frequency as a low pitch, or as a low note. The lower the note, the less energy it has.
On the second picture, we are manipulating the amplitude. When we manipulate the amplitude, the frequency and wavelength is the same, however, it's much louder or softer - depending on the height of the amplitude.
Our ears perceive high amplitude as loud. The louder the sound is - the more energy it has.
Our ears perceive low amplitude as soft or quiet. The quieter the sound is - the less energy it has.
Our ears perceive high frequency as high pitch, or as a high note. The higher the note, the more energy it has.
Our ears perceive low frequency as a low pitch, or as a low note. The lower the note, the less energy it has.
How wavelength & frequency affects sound |
How amplitude affects sound |
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Sound Extensions:
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