Wave Property that Determines Loudness: Amplitude

The wave property that determines loudness is the amplitude of the wave. The amplitude refers to the maximum displacement or height of a wave from its equilibrium position. It is a measure of the energy carried by the wave.

Explanation:
When we perceive sound, we are actually perceiving sound waves. Sound waves are mechanical waves that travel through a medium, such as air, water, or solids. These waves are characterized by certain properties that help us understand and describe them.

Amplitude:
Amplitude is one of the key properties of a sound wave. It represents the maximum displacement or height of a wave from its equilibrium position. In simpler terms, it is the measure of the strength or intensity of a sound wave. The larger the amplitude, the louder the sound.

Relation between Amplitude and Loudness:
The amplitude of a sound wave is directly related to its loudness. When a sound wave has a larger amplitude, it means that the particles in the medium are being displaced to a greater extent. This results in a higher intensity or energy of the sound wave, which our ears perceive as a louder sound.

Example:
For example, if you pluck a guitar string lightly, it will produce a soft sound. In this case, the amplitude of the wave generated by the string is small, resulting in a low-intensity sound. However, if you pluck the string with greater force, the amplitude of the wave will increase, producing a higher-intensity sound that is perceived as louder.

Other Factors:
While amplitude plays a significant role in determining loudness, there are other factors that can also influence our perception of loudness. These include the distance between the sound source and the listener, the frequency of the sound wave, and the sensitivity of the listener's ears.

In conclusion, the wave property that determines loudness is the amplitude of the sound wave. A higher amplitude corresponds to a louder sound, while a lower amplitude corresponds to a softer sound.