Discern the difference between frequency and amplitude by studying sound waves
Discern the difference between frequency and amplitude by studying sound waves
The frequency and amplitude of sound waves as registered on an oscilloscope.
Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.
Transcript
NARRATOR: Let's record some sounds so we can compare them:
[C4 keynote]
262 vibrations per second,
[C5 keynote]
524 vibrations per second,
[C6 keynote]
and 1,048 vibrations per second.
The number of vibrations per second is called the frequency. High notes [keynote] have more vibrations per second than low notes [keynote], each twice as much as the octave below it.
Now let's play the same note two ways. Notice the difference:
[Keynotes]
The loudness of the note is related to the strength of its vibration. We call this amplitude. Frequency and amplitude are two qualities of sound.
[C4 keynote]
262 vibrations per second,
[C5 keynote]
524 vibrations per second,
[C6 keynote]
and 1,048 vibrations per second.
The number of vibrations per second is called the frequency. High notes [keynote] have more vibrations per second than low notes [keynote], each twice as much as the octave below it.
Now let's play the same note two ways. Notice the difference:
[Keynotes]
The loudness of the note is related to the strength of its vibration. We call this amplitude. Frequency and amplitude are two qualities of sound.