Two tuning forks produce sound waves with the same frequency. If one tuning fork is struck harder, what aspect of the sound will change?

Source: JAMB · 2024

Two tuning forks produce sound waves with the same frequency. If one tuning fork is struck harder, what aspect of the sound will change?

  1. Pitch
  2. Quality
  3. Intensity ✓
  4. Overtone
Explanation

Striking a tuning fork harder gives it a larger amplitude of vibration. A larger amplitude means more energy in the wave, so the sound is louder. This is a change in intensity.

Pitch depends on frequency, and the frequency here stays the same. Quality (timbre) depends on the overtones present, which also stay the same.

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