Final answer:
The amplitude of a sound wave determines its volume; larger amplitudes indicate louder sounds. Amplitude and frequency are distinct properties, with the former affecting loudness and the latter pitch. Increasing amplitude results in increased volume.
Step-by-step explanation:
The amplitude of a sound wave determines its loudness or volume. A sound wave with a larger amplitude will produce a louder sound, whereas a sound wave with a smaller amplitude will produce a softer sound. The amplitude of a wave is a measure of how much energy the sound wave is carrying; more energetic vibrations from the source result in larger amplitude sound waves. When we speak about sound in terms of how loud or quiet it is, we often refer to its intensity level in decibels.
If both the amplitude and frequency of a sound wave are increased, the loudness (related to amplitude) will increase, resulting in a louder sound, and the pitch (related to frequency) will also increase, making the sound higher in tone. It is important to note that amplitude and frequency are distinct properties of sound waves; amplitude affects volume, while frequency determines pitch. Therefore, when speaking more loudly as opposed to softly, it is primarily the amplitude of the wave that increases.