Sound Wave

A sound wave can vary in amplitude and wavelength. Amplitude is a measurement from the top (or crest) of the sound wave to its midpoint; or, it can be measured from the bottom (trough) of the wave to its midpoint.

The wavelength is the distance between two successive points of the same amplitude.

Other sound-related terms that you need to understand are frequency, intensity, and decibel.

Frequency is a measurement, called hertz (Hz), of the number of sound vibrations per second. It is also referred to as pitch. The human ear can detect frequencies ranging from around 15 Hz to 20,000 Hz.

Intensity is a measurement, amplitude, that refers to the loudness of sound (also called volume). Sound is measured in units called decibels dBs), with one decibel being the smallest difference of sound level that the ear can perceive.

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