Basics of Sound

Question 1

Sound wave

Answer 1

Air molecules passing energy to one another. air pressure which is processed by the brain

Question 2

Cochlea

Answer 2

has fluid and varied tiny hairs to pick up different frequencies (most sensitive to mid range 3kHz)

Question 3

Frequency

Answer 3

amount of wave cycles per second, measured in Hertz (Hz). Higher frequency, higher pitch

Question 4

Amplitude

Answer 4

amount of air molecule displacement. Height of wave. Measured in Decibels (dB). Higher amplitude, higher volume

Question 5

Dynamic range

Answer 5

range of volume experienced

Question 6

Pitched sounds

Answer 6

has a Dominant frequency

Question 7

Non-pitched sounds

Answer 7

Dominant frequency range = relative pitch

Question 8

Musical pitched

Answer 8

contain fundamental frequency, very specific pitch

Question 9

Sine wave

Answer 9

single frequency only (computer generated)

Question 10

Timbre

Answer 10

colour of a sound, frequency content, present frequencies and how strong they are (bright and dull)

Question 11

Frequency spectrum of hearing

Answer 11

20Hz to 20kHz (reduced to 17kHz)

Question 12

Sound Envelope

Answer 12

change in loudness of sound over time ( attack, decay, sustain, release)