What are the three basic characteristics of sound?

The three basic characteristics of sound that are most relevant to understanding its behavior and perception are pitch, intensity, and quality.

• Pitch relates to the frequency of the sound wave and determines how high or low a sound is perceived. Higher frequencies correspond to higher pitches, while lower frequencies correspond to lower pitches.

• Intensity refers to the amplitude of the sound wave, which is associated with the loudness of the sound. A greater amplitude means more energy in the sound wave, resulting in a louder sound for the listener.

• Quality, often referred to as timbre, is what allows us to distinguish between different sound sources even when they produce sounds at the same pitch and intensity. It encompasses the unique characteristics of a sound that result from the harmonic content or waveform of the sound wave.

This answer effectively captures the fundamental aspects of sound that are essential for understanding how sound is produced, transmitted, and perceived, which are foundational concepts in the study of acoustics and audio engineering.