Chapter 15, Problem 27A

To determine

To Name: Two types of perception of sound and the physical characteristics of sound waves that corresponds to them.

Explanation of Solution

Introduction:

Sound waves are the combination of rarefactions and compressions which travel very slowly as compared to the light waves.

Two types of perception of sound:

1. Pitch.
2. Loudness.

Physical characteristics of pitch:

Pitch is independent of amplitude and intensity of a sound wave but depends very much upon the frequency of a sound wave. On increasing the frequency, the shrillness of a sound increases. Therefore, to get the pitch higher, the frequency should be higher.

Physical characteristics of loudness:

Amplitude of a sound wave is a main factor for loudness. There should be a greater amplitude to perceive the louder sound.

Conclusion:

Hence, the two types perception of sound are pitch and loudness. The pitch depends upon the frequency of a sound wave while the loudness depends upon the amplitude of a sound wave.