1. Frequency: The pitch of a sound is directly related to its frequency. Frequency refers to the number of cycles or vibrations per second of a sound wave. Higher frequencies correspond to higher pitches, and lower frequencies correspond to lower pitches. The human ear can perceive frequencies in the range of approximately 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz.
2. Wavelength: The wavelength of a sound wave is inversely related to its frequency. Wavelength refers to the distance between two consecutive peaks or troughs of a sound wave. Longer wavelengths correspond to lower pitches, and shorter wavelengths correspond to higher pitches. The relationship between frequency and wavelength can be described by the formula:
Wavelength = Speed of sound / Frequency
3. Period: The period of a sound wave is the time taken for one complete cycle or vibration. It is the reciprocal of the frequency. A shorter period corresponds to a higher pitch, while a longer period corresponds to a lower pitch.
4. Formant Frequencies: In addition to the fundamental frequency, the pitch of a sound can also be influenced by the presence of formant frequencies. Formant frequencies are the resonant frequencies of the vocal tract or resonating cavities in musical instruments. They give each sound its characteristic timbre or tone quality. Different vowel sounds, for example, are distinguished by their formant frequencies.
5. Harmonics: Harmonics are integer multiples of the fundamental frequency of a sound. They contribute to the overall timbre and richness of a sound. The pitch of a sound is primarily determined by the fundamental frequency, but the presence of harmonics can affect the perceived pitch and add complexity to the sound.
These properties of sound work together to determine the pitch that we perceive. By manipulating these properties, musical instruments and other sound-producing devices can create a wide range of pitches.