Frequency
From TANGOWIKI-TITAF
Frequency
Scientific Concept Musical Concept Pitch Sound Wave Hertz
Frequency refers to the rate at which a sound wave vibrates, expressed in **Hertz (Hz)** — cycles per second. It is the fundamental physical property that determines the perceived pitch of a sound.
Frequency and Pitch
There is a direct relationship between frequency and Pitch:
- Higher frequency = higher perceived pitch
- Lower frequency = lower perceived pitch
For example:
- A₄ = 440 Hz
- A₃ = 220 Hz
- A₅ = 880 Hz
Each octave corresponds to a **doubling** of frequency.
Role in Music
- Frequencies define the tuning of notes in a Scale.
- Musical intervals are based on frequency ratios (e.g., 3:2 for a perfect fifth).
- Accurate frequency standards are essential for orchestral tuning, recording, and synthesis.
Related Terms
- Pitch — perceptual counterpart of frequency
- Hertz — unit of frequency
- Tuning System — organizes frequencies across instruments
- Sound Wave — physical carrier of frequency in air