Question

When we hear sound, we can identify its source from
A) The frequency of the sound
B) The amplitude of the sound
C) The wavelength of the sound
D) The overtones present in the sound

Answer 1

Hint: Every sound has characteristics which are above the fundamental characteristics which is quality of sound. The quality of sound can be determined by overtones and harmonics present in the sound. This quality helps an experienced ear identify the source of sound.

Complete answer:
The correct answer to this question is overtones present in the sound. Sound has some fundamental properties like amplitude, frequency, and wavelength which determine its behavior. But one cannot determine the source of sound with the help of these properties. To distinguish the source of sound other properties are determined for sound which is known as quality of sound. Quality of sound is given by overtones and harmonics. Overtone is defined as the resonant frequency above the fundamental frequency.

The resonant frequency is the frequency at which something vibrates creating a standing wave pattern. For any body or object there are several such frequencies and the lowest frequency is called the fundamental frequency. One cannot determine the source of sound with the help of amplitude or frequency as they vary from time to time. They are generally measured in a range. With quality of sound one can determine the source of sound.

Note: All the characteristics of sound are useful for regulating the behavior of sound. But only some characteristics can be helpful for identifying the source of the sound. Quality of sound gives the very near idea about the source from which sound is produced and overtone is a part of it.