What is the Difference Between Loudness and Pitch?

The difference between loudness and pitch lies in their definitions and the characteristics they represent:

• Loudness: Loudness is the property of sound that is used to differentiate between loud and quiet sounds. It depends on the energy received by the ear in unit time and is often measured in decibels (dB). A bigger amplitude results in a louder sound.
• Pitch: Pitch is the characteristic of sound that is used to differentiate between high and low-pitched sounds. It is our ear's response to the frequency of sound. Pitch is often referred to as how high or low a note is and is determined by the frequency of the sound wave, measured in hertz (Hz).

In summary:

• Loudness is related to the energy of the sound wave and is often measured in decibels (dB).
• Pitch is related to the frequency of the sound wave and is determined by the ear's response to the frequency.

Some examples of pitch and loudness differences include a bird producing a high-pitched sound and the roaring of a lion being a low-pitched sound. The voice of a woman generally has a higher pitch than that of a man.

Comparative Table: Loudness vs Pitch

Here is a table that highlights the differences between loudness and pitch:

In summary, loudness is the property of sound that determines its loud or soft nature, while pitch is the characteristic that differentiates between high and low tones. Loudness is measured in decibels and is dependent on the energy received by the ear in unit time, whereas pitch is measured in hertz and is independent of the energy received by the ear in unit time.