Question

1. Define pitch.
2. Two wires AB and CD of same length are stretched by same amount. Which wire will produce a sound of greater pitch on plucking?
3. Give a reason for your answer.

Answer 1

1. Pitch is the characteristic of sound that distinguishes an acute (or shrill) note from a grave or flat note.
2. When both the wires are stretched by same amount, wire AB will produce sound of greater pitch on plucking.
3. Pitch depends upon the frequency of the wave. More the frequency of the wave, higher is its pitch. In the given case, both the wires are of same length but wire AB is thinner than wire CD. So, wire AB will vibrate faster and have higher frequency than wire CD. Thus, pitch of wire AB is more compared to wire CD.