Question

The loudness or softness of a sound is determined basically by its:

• A. amplitude
• B. waveform
• C. wavelength
• D. frequency

Answer 1

The correct option is A amplitude

The intensity or loudness of a sound depends upon the extent to which the sounding body vibrates, i.e., the amplitude of vibration. A sound is louder as the amplitude of vibration is greater, and the intensity decreases as the distance from the source increases. Loudness is measured in units called decibels. Loudness depends on the square of the amplitude of the wave. That is, $loudness{\propto \left(amplitude\right)}^2$.
Hence, The loudness or softness of a sound is determined basically by its amplitude.