When the amplitude of a sound wave changes, it affects the following characteristics of the wave:
Loudness/Volume: Amplitude is directly related to the perceived loudness or volume of a sound. As the amplitude increases, the sound becomes louder, and as the amplitude decreases, the sound becomes softer.
Intensity: Amplitude is also related to the intensity of a sound wave. Intensity refers to the amount of energy the sound wave carries per unit of area perpendicular to the direction of the wave. Higher amplitudes correspond to higher intensities, resulting in a more powerful sound.
Waveform: The shape of the sound wave is influenced by its amplitude. Increasing the amplitude stretches the wave, while decreasing the amplitude compresses the wave. This affects the overall shape and size of the waveform.
It's important to note that changing the amplitude of a sound wave does not affect its frequency. Frequency refers to the number of complete cycles (oscillations) of the wave that occur per second and determines the pitch of the sound.