Final answer:
The pitch of a sound is determined by the frequency of vibrations, with periodic motion resulting in a steady tone. A guitar string's vibration frequency produces a specific pitch, whereas a metronome 'tick' represents a beat with an indefinite pitch intended for rhythmic timing, vibrating at a much slower frequency than musical notes.
Step-by-step explanation:
When we discuss the vibrations of a physical object and their relation to pitch, we are looking at how periodic motion translates into sound. A guitar string vibrating at a particular frequency produces a sound with a steady tone and a specific pitch, such as a C note. The frequency of the string's vibration determines the pitch you hear. The time it takes for one complete vibration is called the period (T), which stays constant during periodic motion. When an object, like a metronome, produces a 'tick', it is generating an indefinite pitch that does not correspond to a specific tone. However, the frequency of that 'tick' can be measured in beats per minute (BPM), just like the frequency of a guitar string can be measured in hertz (Hz).
Comparing a definite pitched beat, like a C note, with an indefinite pitched beat, such as a metronome tick, involves understanding that the guitar string vibrates at a much faster rate (higher frequency) than the metronome 'ticks'. The tick is a rhythmic pulse not designed to convey a musical pitch, but rather to provide a temporal reference for timing, often used during music practice or recording.