Which perceptual quality corresponds to frequency?

Which perceptual quality corresponds to frequency?

• A. Pitch
• B. Loudness
• C. Timbre
• D. Duration

Answer: (A)

Frequency maps to pitch: the physical rate of vibration determines how high or low a tone is heard. As the fundamental frequency increases, the ear perceives a higher pitch; doubling the frequency raises the pitch by one octave (for example, 440 Hz and 880 Hz are the same note an octave apart). Loudness reflects how strong the sound is (amplitude), timbre comes from the harmonic content and spectral shape, and duration is simply how long the sound lasts. This is why frequency is the driver of pitch.

Frequency maps to pitch: the physical rate of vibration determines how high or low a tone is heard. As the fundamental frequency increases, the ear perceives a higher pitch; doubling the frequency raises the pitch by one octave (for example, 440 Hz and 880 Hz are the same note an octave apart). Loudness reflects how strong the sound is (amplitude), timbre comes from the harmonic content and spectral shape, and duration is simply how long the sound lasts. This is why frequency is the driver of pitch.