Which term refers to the number of oscillations per second in a sound wave?

The term that refers to the number of oscillations per second in a sound wave is frequency. In the context of sound waves, frequency determines how high or low a sound is perceived to be, which we relate to pitch. It is measured in Hertz (Hz), where one Hertz indicates one cycle or oscillation per second.

Higher frequency sounds correspond to higher pitches, while lower frequency sounds relate to lower pitches. This direct relationship between frequency and pitch is fundamental in fields like acoustics and audio engineering.

Intensity, on the other hand, refers to the power carried by the sound wave per unit area and is related to the perceived loudness of the sound, not the rate of oscillation. Amplitude measures the height of the wave, which is associated with loudness rather than frequency. Wavelength is the distance between successive crests of a wave, which relates to the speed of sound and the frequency, but does not directly address the rate of oscillation itself. Therefore, frequency is the precise term to describe the number of oscillations per second in sound waves.