Changing the amplitude and frequency of a wave can have distinct effects on what you see or hear. Let's discuss each parameter separately:
Amplitude: The amplitude of a wave refers to the maximum displacement or intensity of the wave from its equilibrium position. In the context of sound waves, it determines the loudness or volume of the sound. Increasing the amplitude of a sound wave will make it louder, while decreasing the amplitude will make it quieter. For example, turning up the volume on a speaker increases the amplitude of the sound waves it produces.
In the case of electromagnetic waves, such as light, the amplitude determines the intensity or brightness of the light. Increasing the amplitude of a light wave makes it brighter, while reducing the amplitude makes it dimmer. This principle applies to various types of electromagnetic waves, including visible light, radio waves, and microwaves.
Frequency: The frequency of a wave refers to the number of complete oscillations or cycles it completes in a given time. In the context of sound waves, frequency determines the pitch of the sound. Higher frequencies correspond to higher-pitched sounds, while lower frequencies correspond to lower-pitched sounds. For example, a high-pitched whistle produces sound waves with a higher frequency than a low-pitched drum.
In the case of electromagnetic waves, frequency determines the color or type of light. Visible light consists of different colors, each corresponding to a different frequency. The color red corresponds to lower frequencies, while blue and violet correspond to higher frequencies. Similarly, changing the frequency of radio waves determines the channel you tune into, while changing the frequency of microwaves affects the cooking power of a microwave oven.
In summary, changing the amplitude of a wave affects the intensity or volume of what you hear or see, while changing the frequency alters the pitch (for sound) or color/type (for light) of what you perceive.