Increasing the frequency of a sound wave produces a sound with

Analyze the question: We are asked what happens to a sound when its frequency increases.

Concept: Pitch is how high or low a sound seems to the ear, and it depends on frequency.

• Higher frequency gives higher pitch (a shrill sound).
• Lower frequency gives lower pitch (a deep or bass sound).

Also remember the wave equation:

v = fλ

In a given medium (e.g. air), the speed of sound v is constant. So if f increases, λ = v/f decreases. The wavelength becomes shorter, not longer.

Check each option:

• A. Higher pitch. Correct. Pitch is the physical sensation of frequency.
• B. Longer wavelength. Wrong. Since λ = v/f, a higher frequency gives a shorter wavelength.
• C. More overtones. Wrong. Overtones relate to the quality (timbre) of a sound and the way the source vibrates, not to the frequency of the fundamental alone.
• D. Reduced loudness. Wrong. Loudness depends on amplitude (intensity), not frequency.

Answer: The correct option is A. higher pitch.

Exam tip: Remember the pairings:

• Pitch ↔ Frequency
• Loudness ↔ Amplitude
• Quality (timbre) ↔ Overtones/waveform

Also, for a fixed medium, frequency and wavelength are inversely related (f ↑ means λ ↓).