Chapter 16 - Section 16.4 - Hearing and Equilibrium - Before You Go On - Page 605: 17

The sensations of loudness and pitch in sound waves are related to specific physical properties of those waves: 1. Loudness: - Amplitude: Loudness is primarily associated with the amplitude of a sound wave. Amplitude refers to the maximum displacement of air particles from their equilibrium position as the sound wave travels through a medium. In simple terms, a higher amplitude corresponds to a louder sound, while a lower amplitude corresponds to a quieter sound. This is because larger amplitude waves create greater variations in air pressure, which our ears perceive as louder. 2. Pitch: - Frequency: Pitch is primarily determined by the frequency of a sound wave. Frequency refers to the number of oscillations (cycles) a wave completes per unit of time, typically measured in Hertz (Hz). Higher-frequency waves have a higher pitch (e.g., a high-pitched whistle), while lower-frequency waves have a lower pitch (e.g., a low-pitched drum). In other words, the rate at which the sound wave's pressure varies determines how we perceive its pitch. Higher-frequency waves produce more frequent vibrations in our eardrums, which our brains interpret as higher-pitched sounds. In summary, loudness is associated with the amplitude (intensity) of sound waves, while pitch is associated with the frequency (rate of oscillation) of sound waves. These physical properties directly influence our subjective experiences of sound when they reach our ears and are processed by our auditory system.

The sensations of loudness and pitch in sound waves are related to specific physical properties of those waves: 1. Loudness: - Amplitude: Loudness is primarily associated with the amplitude of a sound wave. Amplitude refers to the maximum displacement of air particles from their equilibrium position as the sound wave travels through a medium. In simple terms, a higher amplitude corresponds to a louder sound, while a lower amplitude corresponds to a quieter sound. This is because larger amplitude waves create greater variations in air pressure, which our ears perceive as louder. 2. Pitch: - Frequency: Pitch is primarily determined by the frequency of a sound wave. Frequency refers to the number of oscillations (cycles) a wave completes per unit of time, typically measured in Hertz (Hz). Higher-frequency waves have a higher pitch (e.g., a high-pitched whistle), while lower-frequency waves have a lower pitch (e.g., a low-pitched drum). In other words, the rate at which the sound wave's pressure varies determines how we perceive its pitch. Higher-frequency waves produce more frequent vibrations in our eardrums, which our brains interpret as higher-pitched sounds. In summary, loudness is associated with the amplitude (intensity) of sound waves, while pitch is associated with the frequency (rate of oscillation) of sound waves. These physical properties directly influence our subjective experiences of sound when they reach our ears and are processed by our auditory system.