What is the difference between frequency and pitch?

Frequency and pitch are related but distinct concepts in the context of sound.

Frequency refers to the number of cycles or vibrations per unit of time. It is typically measured in Hertz (Hz), which represents the number of cycles per second. In the context of sound waves, frequency determines the rate at which the particles of the medium vibrate, resulting in the perception of sound. Higher frequencies correspond to more rapid vibrations, while lower frequencies correspond to slower vibrations.

Pitch, on the other hand, is the subjective perception of how high or low a sound is. It is closely related to frequency, but it is not the same. Pitch is influenced by the frequency of a sound wave but can also be affected by other factors, such as harmonics, timbre, and the individual's auditory perception.

In simpler terms, frequency is a physical property of a sound wave that can be objectively measured, while pitch is a perceptual attribute that varies from person to person. Two sound waves can have the same frequency but different pitches if other factors, such as harmonic content, differ. For example, a musical instrument playing the same note at different octaves will have different frequencies but the same pitch.

In summary, frequency is an objective measure of the number of cycles per second, while pitch is a subjective perception of how high or low a sound is.