Final answer:
Bit depth in audio coding indicates the number of bits used per audio sample, affecting the recording's dynamic range and quality. It is distinct from the sampling rate, although both are crucial for defining the fidelity of a digital audio recording.
Step-by-step explanation:
The student's question regarding the property known as bit depth in audio coding refers to the number of bits used to represent each audio sample in a digital recording. While the question briefly mentions sampling rate (the number of samples taken per second to capture the audio), it's important to distinguish that from bit depth, which is related but different. Bit depth determines the dynamic range of the digital audio, which is essentially the difference between the loudest and quietest parts of the audio that can be accurately represented. It's measured in bits, with common bit depths being 16-bit, 24-bit, or 32-bit for high-quality audio recordings.
In summary, bit depth in the context of WAV files, refers to the amount of information stored for each audio sample. A higher bit depth increases the potential quality and dynamic range of a recording, providing a more detailed amplitude resolution of the sound wave. This is important for obtaining high-fidelity recordings with less noise and greater audio detail.