Äänitaajuus

Äänitaajuus refers to the rate at which a sound wave vibrates, measured in Hertz (Hz). One Hertz corresponds to one cycle of vibration per second. Our ears can perceive a range of frequencies, typically from about 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz, which is known as the audible spectrum. Frequencies below 20 Hz are called infrasound, and those above 20,000 Hz are called ultrasound.

Different frequencies are perceived as different pitches. Low frequencies produce low-pitched sounds, like the rumble of thunder, while high frequencies produce high-pitched sounds, such as a whistle. Musical instruments and human voices produce complex sound waves that are combinations of fundamental frequencies and their overtones, which contribute to their unique timbre or tone color.

The measurement of sound frequency is crucial in many fields, including acoustics, audio engineering, music, and medical imaging. In audio, frequency response describes how faithfully a system reproduces different frequencies. In medicine, ultrasound technology uses high-frequency sound waves for diagnostic imaging. Understanding äänitaajuus is fundamental to comprehending how we hear and interact with the sonic world around us.