The sound quality that allows a listener to tell the difference between a trumpet and piano playing the same note is referred to as _______.
A) Timbre
B) Harmonics
C) Pitchiness
D) Decay

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Timbre is the characteristic quality of a sound that distinguishes it from other sounds of the same pitch and volume. It allows us to differentiate between two instruments playing the same note. Harmonics refer to the overtones or additional frequencies that give a sound its unique quality. Pitchiness refers to a lack of accuracy in hitting the correct pitch, and decay refers to the gradual decrease in volume or intensity of a sound.

The Sound Quality That Allows a Listener to Tell the Difference