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