What characteristic indicates lower frequency sounds?

Lower frequency sounds are primarily produced by objects that have more mass in their vibrating bodies. When a vibrating object has greater mass, it tends to move more slowly compared to lighter objects when struck or excited, resulting in slower vibrations. Since frequency is defined as the number of vibration cycles that occur in one second, a slower oscillation leads to lower frequencies.

In contrast, higher stiffness in a vibrating body tends to produce higher frequency sounds, as stiffer materials can return to their equilibrium position faster, resulting in quicker vibrations. Furthermore, while intensity refers to the loudness of the sound and is related to amplitude, it does not directly correlate with frequency. Similarly, tighter vibrations in a medium indicate quicker oscillations, which are characteristic of higher frequencies rather than lower ones. Therefore, the presence of more mass in the vibrating body is an essential characteristic that leads to the production of lower frequency sounds.