Three things relative to sound wave loudness, intensity, and pitch quality are amplitude, decibels, and frequency.
Amplitude: Amplitude refers to the magnitude or strength of a sound wave. It is directly related to the loudness of the sound. Larger amplitudes correspond to louder sounds, while smaller amplitudes correspond to quieter sounds. In simple terms, amplitude represents the height of the wave, where higher amplitudes indicate louder sound waves.
Decibels (dB): Decibels are a unit of measurement used to quantify the intensity or loudness of a sound wave. The decibel scale is logarithmic, which means that each increase of 10 dB represents a tenfold increase in sound intensity. The decibel scale is commonly used because it allows us to express a wide range of sound intensities in a more manageable and standardized format.
Frequency: Frequency refers to the number of cycles or vibrations of a sound wave per unit of time. It is measured in hertz (Hz). Frequency is closely related to the perceived pitch of a sound. Higher frequencies correspond to higher-pitched sounds, while lower frequencies correspond to lower-pitched sounds. For example, a high-pitched whistle has a higher frequency, while a low-pitched drumbeat has a lower frequency.
These three factors—amplitude, decibels, and frequency—play significant roles in determining the loudness, intensity, and pitch quality of a sound wave.