In the realm of waves, such as light or sound, the relationship between wavelength, frequency, and

amplitude plays a crucial role in understanding their characteristics. Wavelength refers to the
distance between two consecutive points in a wave that are in phase, meaning they have the same
position in their respective cycles. Frequency, on the other hand, represents the number of complete
cycles or oscillations that a wave completes in a given time interval, typically measured in hertz (Hz).
The higher the frequency, the shorter the wavelength, and vice versa. Amplitude, on the other hand,
describes the maximum displacement of a wave from its equilibrium position. It determines the
intensity or strength of the wave, with greater amplitudes conveying more energy. Consequently,
these three properties are interconnected; a higher frequency wave will have a shorter wavelength
and can carry more energy, resulting in a larger amplitude. Understanding the relationship between
wavelength, frequency, and amplitude allows us to comprehend the behavior and characteristics of
various waves in different contexts.
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V. Sound Waves: Pitch & Loudness Questions:
4. Look at the following two sound waves. How would you describe their frequency and amplitude
in comparison to one another? Make sure to explain both of the sound waves

1 answer

Regarding the two sound waves, their frequency and amplitude can be described in comparison to each other.

Frequency refers to the number of complete cycles or oscillations that a wave completes in a given time interval. Looking at the two sound waves, if one wave has a higher frequency than the other, it means that it completes more cycles in the same time interval. On the other hand, if one wave has a lower frequency, it completes fewer cycles in the same time interval.

Amplitude, on the other hand, describes the maximum displacement of a wave from its equilibrium position. It represents the intensity or strength of the wave. In the context of sound waves, amplitude determines the loudness of the sound. A larger amplitude corresponds to a louder sound, while a smaller amplitude corresponds to a softer sound.

Based on these explanations, we can compare the frequency and amplitude of the two sound waves:

Frequency:
If one sound wave has a higher frequency than the other, it means that it completes more cycles in the same time interval. In this case, we can say that the wave with a higher frequency has a higher pitch. In contrast, if one sound wave has a lower frequency, it completes fewer cycles in the same time interval, resulting in a lower pitch.

Amplitude:
Comparing the amplitudes of the two sound waves allows us to determine their relative loudness. If one sound wave has a larger amplitude than the other, it means that it has a greater maximum displacement from its equilibrium position. Consequently, it will be louder. Conversely, if one sound wave has a smaller amplitude, it means that it has a smaller maximum displacement and will be softer.