Look at the two wave diagrams.

Two graphs with time on the x axis and air pressure on the y axis. Wave A is taller and skinnier than wave B.

Which best describes the difference between wave A and wave B?

Wave A has a greater pitch and frequency.
Wave B has a greater pitch and frequency.
Wave A has a greater pitch but lower frequency.
Wave B has a lower pitch but greater frequency.

1 answer

The key characteristics of wave diagrams that relate to air pressure (or sound waves) are amplitude (height of the wave) and frequency (the number of wave cycles that occur in a given time period).

In your description:

  • Wave A is described as "taller and skinnier" than Wave B. This implies that Wave A has a higher amplitude (taller) and potentially a higher frequency (skinnier, meaning the waves are closer together in time).

Given this information:

  • Wave A having greater pitch and frequency aligns with the idea that higher frequency corresponds to a higher pitch.

Therefore, the best description based on the information is:

Wave A has a greater pitch and frequency.