What is another term for frequency?

Frequency refers to the number of cycles of a sound wave that occur in one second, which is typically measured in hertz (Hz). The term that most closely relates to frequency in the context of sound is pitch. Pitch is the perceptual quality that allows us to categorize sounds as higher or lower; it directly correlates with the frequency of the sound wave. Higher frequencies correspond to higher pitches, while lower frequencies correspond to lower pitches.

On the other hand, amplitude refers to the strength or intensity of a sound wave and is related to loudness rather than frequency. Volume is a measurement of loudness and is influenced by amplitude. Radiance, while a term used in scientific contexts related to emitted energy, does not apply to sound properties like frequency or pitch. Therefore, recognizing that pitch is directly linked to how we perceive frequency helps to affirm why it is the correct term in this context.