Question

In an orchestra, the musical sounds of different instruments are distinguished from one another by which of the following characteristics?

• A. Pitch
• B. Loudness
• C. Quality
• D. Overtones

Answer 1

The correct option is C Quality

There are 3 properties of sound, based on which we can distinguish one sound-note from the other.

They are $Loudness,$ $Pitch$(or shrillness) and $Quality.$

Loudness of a sound depends on the Amplitude of the sound-wave. Greater the amplitude, louder is the sound.

Pitch or shrillness depends on the frequency. Greater the frequency, shriller is the sound.

Quality or Timbre depends on the overtones present in the sound, along with the fundamental note and their amplitudes. Quality is the property by which two sounds may appear different even if they are equally loud and shrill.

Suppose I am playing a note on flute and sitar. Even if both the notes are of same pitch and loudness, they appear different. That is because of difference in quality