What is the Difference Between Pitch and Volume?

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Pitch and volume are two different characteristics of sound. Here are the main differences between them:

  • Pitch: Pitch is a measure of how high or low a sound is and is related to the frequency of the sound. It is the perception of the highness or lowness of a tone and is strongly related to the frequency of the sound, but not exclusively. Higher pitch sounds are perceived as higher in tone, while lower pitch sounds are perceived as lower in tone.
  • Volume: Volume, also known as loudness, is a measure of how loud or soft a sound is. It is related to the strength, intensity, pressure, or power of the sound. Volume is determined by the amplitude of the sound wave. Louder sounds have a higher volume, while quieter sounds have a lower volume.

In summary, pitch is related to the frequency of a sound and determines how high or low it is perceived, while volume is related to the amplitude of the sound wave and determines how loud or soft the sound is.

Comparative Table: Pitch vs Volume

Pitch and volume are two different aspects of sound. Here is a table that illustrates the difference between them:

Feature Pitch Volume
Definition Pitch is the frequency of sound, which determines how high or low a sound is. Volume, also known as loudness, is the intensity or power of sound.
Symbol Pitch is usually represented in Hertz (Hz). Volume is often measured in decibels (dB).
Factors Pitch depends on the length of the prongs in tuning forks, with shorter prongs producing higher pitch sounds. Volume can be increased by hitting a tuning fork harder, touching it to a table or resonance box after being struck, or decreased by touching it to clothes or your hand.
Perception Pitch is related to the number of vibrations per second, which changes the perceived height (high or low) of the sound. Volume is related to the strength, intensity, pressure, or power of the sound, which affects how loud or soft it is perceived.

In summary, pitch is related to the frequency of sound and determines how high or low a sound is, while volume is related to the intensity or power of sound and affects how loud or soft it is perceived.