Question

Two notes are produced from a flute and piano, such that they have same loudness and same pitch. The notes so produced differ in their:

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

Answer 1

The correct option is A

waveform

Explanation for the correct option:

A) Waveform

• A note's quality is determined by the waveforms. Because the waveforms are distinct and differ in quality or tone, two notes of the same pitch and loudness performed from various instruments do not sound the same.
• The sounds from instruments are never pure notes, i.e. of one frequency, with the exception of a tuning fork, hence the same note from different instruments has distinct properties.

Explanation for the incorrect options:

B) Wavelength

• The greater the pitch, the greater the frequency.
• The amplitude of a sound wave is proportional to its loudness. A louder sound is produced by a larger amplitude.
• Here, the two notes have the same pitch and same loudness. So, the wavelength is an incorrect option.

C) Frequency

• The frequency of a sound determines its pitch, whereas the amplitude of sound waves determines its loudness.
• So, the frequency is an incorrect option.

D) Speed

• The density and elasticity of the medium through which sound travels determine its speed.
• In general, sound travels faster through liquids than through gases, and faster through solids than through liquids.
• So, the speed is an incorrect option
  

Therefore, two notes are produced from a flute and piano, such that they have the same loudness and same pitch. The notes so produced differ in their waveform (Option A).