What are the three categories used to describe our mental perception of a sound? On what physical properties of sound waves does each depend?

The three primary categories used to describe our mental perception of a sound are: 1. Pitch (also known as frequency) 2. Loudness (also known as intensity or amplitude) 3. Timbre (also called tone color or tone quality)

Pitch is the perception of how high or low a sound is. It depends on the frequency of the sound wave. Frequency is the number of wave cycles per second measured in Hertz (Hz). A sound wave with a higher frequency will be perceived as having a higher pitch, while a sound wave with a lower frequency will be perceived as having a lower pitch.

Loudness is the perception of the strength of a sound, whether it seems weak or powerful. Loudness depends on the amplitude or intensity of the sound wave. The amplitude of a sound wave is the measure of the maximum displacement of air particles from their equilibrium position. Higher amplitude sound waves produce louder sounds, while lower amplitude sound waves produce softer sounds.

Timbre is what distinguishes different types of sound sources, even when they have the same pitch and loudness. It is the characteristic that makes a guitar sound different from a piano playing the same note at the same volume. Timbre depends on the complex waveforms of the sound waves, which are determined by the physical properties of the sound source and the way it vibrates. The waveform is an intricate blend of multiple frequencies and amplitudes called harmonics or overtones. In summary, the three categories describing our mental perception of sound are pitch, loudness, and timbre. Each of them has a direct relationship with the physical properties of sound waves, namely frequency, amplitude, and waveform, respectively. Understanding these categories and their dependence on the physical properties of sound waves is essential in various fields, such as music, acoustics, and audio engineering.