Kaplan Nursing Entrance Practice Exam

What are high frequency sound waves referred to as?

1. Overtones

2. Fundamentals

3. Harmonics

4. Bass

The correct answer is: Overtones

High frequency sound waves are referred to as overtones. This term specifically describes the higher frequencies that occur above the fundamental frequency of a sound. The fundamental is the lowest frequency produced by a vibrating object and is perceived as the main tone, while overtones add richness and complexity to the sound by representing the additional, higher frequencies. Harmonics are closely related to overtones as they are specific types of overtones that occur at integer multiples of the fundamental frequency. While both terms can refer to higher frequency sounds, "overtones" is the more commonly used term in general discussions about sound waves. Bass refers to low-frequency sounds and is usually associated with lower pitches, which is the opposite of high frequency. Therefore, within the context of sound waves, overtones is the term that accurately captures the characteristic of high frequency sound waves.