What term describes the number of times a sound wave oscillates?

The correct term that describes the number of times a sound wave oscillates is frequency. Frequency is a fundamental concept in acoustics, defined as the number of cycles or oscillations that occur in a given amount of time, typically measured in hertz (Hz). When we discuss sound waves, frequency directly relates to the pitch of the sound; higher frequencies correspond to higher pitches, while lower frequencies correspond to lower pitches.

Understanding frequency is essential in aerospace physiology as it helps in analyzing how sound affects humans in different environments, such as cockpit noise levels or the impact of acoustic vibrations on the human body.

In contrast, amplitude refers to the height of the wave and is related to the loudness of the sound, while wavelength is the distance between successive peaks of the wave. Sound pressure is related to the intensity of the sound but does not define oscillation rate. Each of these terms plays a role in understanding sound but does not specifically describe how often the wave oscillates, which is the definition of frequency.