The wavelength of a sound with a high pitch is shorter compared to a sound with a low pitch. Pitch refers to the subjective perception of the frequency of a sound. Frequency is the number of cycles or vibrations of a sound wave that occur in a second and is measured in Hertz (Hz). The pitch of a sound is generally associated with higher frequencies.
Wavelength, on the other hand, is the physical distance between two corresponding points on a sound wave, such as the distance between two consecutive peaks or two consecutive troughs. It is usually represented by the Greek letter lambda (λ) and is measured in meters.
The relationship between wavelength (λ), frequency (f), and the speed of sound (v) can be described using the formula:
v = λf
Where:
- v is the speed of sound in meters per second (m/s),
- λ is the wavelength in meters (m), and
- f is the frequency in Hertz (Hz).
Since the speed of sound is relatively constant in a given medium, if the frequency of a sound wave increases (as in the case of a high-pitched sound), the wavelength decreases. This means that the distance between two consecutive peaks or troughs becomes smaller.
In summary, a sound with a high pitch has a shorter wavelength compared to a sound with a low pitch.