Horizontal bar graph titled “Sound Frequency Ranges of 5 Instruments.” The x-axis shows frequency in hertz (Hz) from 0 to about 3,600. Each instrument has a bar showing the range of frequencies it can produce: Violin (196–3500 Hz), Flute (260–2300 Hz), Trumpet (165–1000 Hz), Cello (65–880 Hz), and Tuba (29–349 Hz). The violin reaches the highest frequencies, and the tuba reaches the lowest frequencies.

Sound is made by vibrations. The speed of these vibrations is called frequency and is measured in hertz (Hz).

  • Higher frequency means faster vibrations and produces a higher-pitched sound.

  • Lower frequency means slower vibrations and produces a lower-pitched sound.

Different musical instruments produce different frequency ranges because of their size and design. In general, larger instruments have longer vibrating parts and vibrate more slowly, which creates lower-frequency sounds. Smaller instruments vibrate faster and can produce higher-frequency sounds. Most instruments can produce a range of frequencies, not just one sound.

Which instrument on the graph can produce the highest-pitched sounds, and which instrument can produce the lowest-pitched sounds?

 

Claim
Make a claim naming the instrument that produces the highest frequencies and the instrument that produces the lowest frequencies.

 

Evidence
Use specific data from the graph to support your claim.
Include frequency values with units (Hz).

 

Reasoning
Explain why these frequency ranges make sense for the instruments shown.
In your explanation:

  • Connect frequency to pitch

  • Describe how the size of the instrument affects the sounds it produces

  • Explain why larger instruments usually produce lower-frequency sounds and smaller instruments usually produce higher-frequency sounds

  1. Which instrument has the widest frequency range? How can you tell from the graph?

  2. Which two instruments have the most overlap in their frequency ranges? Use the graph to support your answer.

  3. If a song uses notes around 800 Hz, which instruments could play those notes? Which instruments could not?

  4. Compare the cello and the trumpet. Which one can play lower notes? Which one can play higher notes? Use evidence from the graph.

  5. A student says, “The flute always plays higher sounds than the violin.” Use the graph to decide whether this is true or false and explain your reasoning.

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