What determines the pitch of a sound?

The pitch of a sound is determined by its frequency, which refers to the number of vibrations or cycles of a sound wave that occur in a second, measured in Hertz (Hz). Higher frequencies correspond to higher pitches, producing sounds that are perceived as "high," while lower frequencies result in lower pitches, perceived as "low."

For example, a tuning fork that vibrates at 440 Hz produces the musical note A above middle C, which is considered a standard pitch. When the frequency increases, more cycles occur per second, leading to a higher pitch. Conversely, if the frequency decreases, the sound waves have fewer cycles, resulting in a lower pitch.

Understanding that pitch is inherently linked to frequency helps clarify the concept that altering the frequency of a sound will directly influence our perception of its pitch, making it the key factor determining pitch in sound.