What is the Difference Between Pitch and Frequency?

Pitch and frequency are related but distinct concepts in the context of sound. The main differences between them are:

1. Definition: Frequency is the measurement of how often sound waves pass a certain point in a second, expressed in Hertz (Hz). Pitch, on the other hand, is the human perception of the highness or lowness of a sound. It is a subjective perception that varies among individuals and is influenced by factors such as cultural background and musical training.
2. Relationship: While frequency describes a physical phenomenon, pitch describes a perceptual phenomenon. Pitch and frequency are correlated, meaning that a higher frequency produces a higher pitch, and a lower frequency produces a lower pitch. However, the relationship between pitch and frequency is not linear, and the human ear can perceive pitch relationships based on fixed ratios rather than fixed spans of cycles per second.
3. Representation: Frequency is represented with numbers (Hz), while pitch is represented with letters, such as A, B, C, D, E, F, and G. Pitches repeat every 8 notes, called an octave, and the relationships between pitches are the basis of music theory.

In summary, frequency is a physical measurement of sound waves, while pitch is a human perception of the highness or lowness of a sound. Although they are related, they are different aspects of sound perception, with frequency being an objective measurement and pitch being a subjective perception.

Comparative Table: Pitch vs Frequency

Here is a table that summarizes the difference between pitch and frequency:

In summary, pitch is the subjective perception of the height of a tone, while frequency is the objective measurement of the rate of vibration. They are related but distinct properties, with pitch being based on fixed ratios and frequency being a direct measurement of the physical phenomenon. Pitch is the human interpretation of frequency, and they both contribute to our understanding and experience of music.