Which of the following describes amplitude in the context of sound?

Amplitude in the context of sound refers to the height of the sound wave. It is a measure of the energy or intensity of the sound; higher amplitude indicates a louder sound, while lower amplitude corresponds to a softer sound. The amplitude is visually represented as the vertical distance from the midpoint of the wave to its peak (or trough). This physical property is crucial in understanding how we perceive sounds in terms of volume and loudness.

The other concepts, while related to sound, describe different characteristics. Frequency refers to the number of cycles a sound wave completes in a second, which impacts the pitch of the sound. Speed pertains to how fast sound travels through a medium, which can vary depending on factors such as temperature and the material through which it passes. Quality, or timbre, relates to the characteristics that allow us to distinguish between different types of sounds or instruments, regardless of pitch and loudness.