Sensory Neuroscience: Hearing and speech/Sound/key terms

Parameters for describing sound

Wavelength

the distance between the endpoints of a cycle (two peaks, for example)

usually measured in cm

Frequency

number of oscillations in one second

frequency is a physical property in the world, but pitch is the mental experience of that property (the "highness" of a sound)

usually measured in Hz

Period

time required for one oscillation

usually measured in ms

$f=\frac{1}{T}$
$\lambda =\frac{c}{f}$

Amplitude

the magnitude of change in the pressure over one oscillation

Impedence

the reluctance with which the medium can be forced into oscillation