Michigan Test for Teacher Certification (MTTC) Secondary Integrated Science Practice test

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Prepare for the Michigan Test for Teacher Certification (MTTC) Secondary Integrated Science exam. Utilize flashcards and multiple-choice questions with hints and explanations to succeed in your certification.

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What does the pitch of sound depend on?

Amplitude
Frequency
Wavelength
Intensity

The correct answer is: Frequency

The pitch of sound is directly related to its frequency, which is the number of sound wave cycles that occur in a second, measured in hertz (Hz). When the frequency increases, the pitch of the sound becomes higher, while a decrease in frequency results in a lower pitch. This relationship is fundamental in understanding how we perceive different sounds. Higher frequencies correspond to higher pitches, such as a whistle, whereas lower frequencies correspond to lower pitches, like a bass drum. While amplitude, wavelength, and intensity have their roles in the characteristics of sound, they do not influence pitch directly. Amplitude refers to the amount of energy a wave carries, which affects loudness rather than pitch. Wavelength is inversely related to frequency; as frequency increases, wavelength decreases, but it is the frequency that we perceive as pitch. Intensity is related to how loud a sound is, again not affecting the pitch itself. Therefore, frequency is the key determiner of sound pitch.