What characterizes a sound wave with a high frequency?

A sound wave with a high frequency is characterized by a shorter wavelength. This is because the relationship between frequency and wavelength is inversely proportional; as the frequency increases, the wavelength decreases. Specifically, wavelength is calculated using the formula: wavelength = velocity / frequency. Given that the speed of sound in a medium is constant, a higher frequency results in a shorter distance between successive wave crests, leading to a shorter wavelength.

The other options do not accurately describe the characteristics of high-frequency sound waves. For instance, a longer period is associated with lower frequencies, as period is the duration of one complete cycle of the wave, and higher frequency means more cycles occur in a given amount of time. Low amplitude refers to the strength or loudness of the sound and does not inherently change with frequency; it relates to the energy of the wave rather than its frequency. Finally, higher intensity pertains to the power carried by a sound wave, which can be influenced by amplitude rather than frequency alone. Therefore, the defining characteristic of high-frequency sound waves is their shorter wavelength.