Meaning & use
frequency of sound
Last updated
Meaning
noununcountabletechnicalphysics
The number of times a sound wave repeats each second, measured in hertz (Hz), which determines whether a sound is high or low.
Grammar: Used as a fixed phrase; it usually takes a singular verb: The frequency of sound is measured in hertz.
Patterns
- the frequency of sound is …
- measure the frequency of sound
- the frequency of sound in hertz
The frequency of sound from a whistle is higher than from a drum.
Scientists measure the frequency of sound in hertz to describe its pitch.
As the frequency of sound increases, we hear a higher note.
Common combinations
- the frequency of sound
- The frequency of sound determines whether we hear a high or low pitch.
- high-frequency sound
- Bats use high-frequency sound to find their way in the dark.
- low-frequency sound
- Low-frequency sound travels farther through walls.
- measure the frequency of sound
- The students measured the frequency of sound using a tuning fork.
Synonyms and how they differ
- pitch
- Pitch is how high or low a sound seems to a listener, which is related to frequency but not exactly the same.
Word family
Commonly confused: frequency of sound or wavelength?
frequency of sound vs wavelength
Wavelength is the distance between two peaks of a wave, while frequency is how often the wave repeats per second.
Practice
Which unit is used to measure the frequency of sound?
Choose one answer.
Hertz (Hz) measures how many times a sound wave repeats per second, so it is the unit for frequency. Decibel measures loudness, meter measures distance, and second measures time.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “frequency of sound”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.