NCERT Class 9 Science — Chapter 5: Sound

mcqeasy

Which of the following statements is correct regarding the relationship between frequency and pitch?

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

AFrequency has no relation to pitch.
BLower frequency results in higher pitch.
CHigher frequency results in higher pitch.
DPitch is inversely proportional to the square of frequency.

Did you get this right?

Solution

The correct option is

Higher frequency results in higher pitch.

Explanation

Pitch is a characteristic of sound that enables the distinction between a shrill sound and a grave (flat) sound. It is the subjective sensation or interpretation of the frequency of a sound wave by the brain.

Relationship between Frequency and Pitch:

Frequency is defined as the number of oscillations or vibrations per unit of time. The pitch of a sound is directly dependent on its frequency:

Higher Frequency: When a source vibrates faster, it produces a higher frequency. This results in a sound with a higher pitch (shriller). Examples include a whistle, a bird's chirp, or a violin.
Lower Frequency: When a source vibrates slower, it produces a lower frequency. This results in a sound with a lower pitch (deeper or graver). Examples include a drum beat or a lion's roar.

Therefore, a higher frequency directly results in a higher pitch, establishing a direct qualitative relationship.

Key Takeaway:

Pitch is the perceptual correlate of frequency; higher frequency generates higher pitch, while lower frequency generates lower pitch.

Your note

More from Chapter 5: Sound

Consider the following statements regarding the propagation of sound: 1. The disturbance created by a source travels through the medium to the listener. 2. Sound waves are characterized as non-mechanical waves. 3. A material medium is mandatory for the transmission of sound. Which of the statements given above are correct?

medium

With reference to the characteristics of a sound wave, consider the following statements: 1. The distance between two consecutive compressions is called the wavelength. 2. The time taken for one complete oscillation is called the frequency. 3. The SI unit of frequency is Hertz. Which of the statements given above are correct?

medium

Consider the following statements regarding Ultrasound: 1. It refers to sounds with frequencies higher than 20 kHz. 2. Ultrasound waves scatter immediately when they encounter obstacles. 3. Ultrasound is incapable of penetrating metal blocks to detect flaws. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

easy

The cleaning action of an ultrasonic cleaner is primarily achieved through:

medium

With reference to medical applications of sound, consider the following statements: 1. Echocardiography uses ultrasonic waves to form an image of the heart. 2. Ultrasonography uses X-rays to detect stones in the gall bladder. 3. Ultrasound can be used to break kidney stones into fine grains. Which of the statements given above are correct?

medium

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The correct option is

Higher frequency results in higher pitch.

Explanation

Relationship between Frequency and Pitch:

Frequency is defined as the number of oscillations or vibrations per unit of time. The pitch of a sound is directly dependent on its frequency:

Higher Frequency: When a source vibrates faster, it produces a higher frequency. This results in a sound with a higher pitch (shriller). Examples include a whistle, a bird's chirp, or a violin.
Lower Frequency: When a source vibrates slower, it produces a lower frequency. This results in a sound with a lower pitch (deeper or graver). Examples include a drum beat or a lion's roar.

Therefore, a higher frequency directly results in a higher pitch, establishing a direct qualitative relationship.

Key Takeaway:

Pitch is the perceptual correlate of frequency; higher frequency generates higher pitch, while lower frequency generates lower pitch.