What does the term pitch refer to in sound waves?

Pitch refers to how high or low a sound is, and it is determined by the frequency of the sound waves. Sounds with higher frequencies produce higher pitches, while Sounds with lower frequencies result in lower pitches. This concept is fundamental in understanding sound and music, as it allows us to distinguish between different notes and tones. For instance, a violin typically plays higher-pitched notes compared to a cello, which plays lower-pitched notes.

The other concepts, such as loudness and the quality of sound, are related but distinct from pitch. Loudness pertains to the amplitude of the sound wave, while sound quality, or timbre, refers to the character or color of the sound that makes it unique, allowing us to differentiate between instruments or voices, even when they play the same pitch. Additionally, the duration of sound relates to how long a sound lasts rather than its pitch. Thus, pitch specifically aligns with the frequency aspect of sound waves.