Which term refers to the lowest sounding frequency in a sound spectrum?

• A. Fundamental frequency
• B. Overtone
• C. Harmonic
• D. Partial

Answer: (A)

The lowest sounding frequency in a sound spectrum is the fundamental frequency. This base frequency sets the pitch of the sound, and the higher frequencies that follow are related to it as multiples. Those higher terms are called harmonics (which are a subset of overtones), while a partial is any component of a complex tone, which may or may not be harmonic. So, when identifying the base pitch, the fundamental frequency is the term that fits best.