AAMC FL Practice Exam

What happens to the pitch of a sound when the frequency is increased?

1. The pitch decreases

2. The pitch remains unchanged

3. The pitch increases

4. The pitch becomes inaudible

The correct answer is: The pitch increases

When the frequency of a sound wave is increased, the pitch of the sound is perceived to be higher. This relationship between frequency and pitch is a fundamental aspect of how humans interpret sound. Frequency refers to the number of oscillations or cycles per second of a sound wave, measured in hertz (Hz). Higher frequencies correspond to more cycles per second, which the auditory system translates into a higher pitch. For example, a sound with a frequency of 1000 Hz will be perceived as much lower in pitch compared to a sound with a frequency of 4000 Hz. The human ear is sensitive to changes in frequency and can distinguish between different pitches, using these variations in frequency to identify different notes in music or changes in tone in speech. In contrast, if the frequency were to decrease, the pitch would lower; if the frequency remains constant, there would be no change in pitch. Additionally, it's not accurate to say that increasing frequency would render a sound inaudible; rather, as long as the frequency is within the audible range (typically 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz for human hearing), it will be able to be heard, just with a different pitch.