What characteristic of sound describes how we perceive its frequency?

The perception of sound frequency is characterized by pitch. Pitch is how we interpret different frequencies of sound waves. High-frequency sounds, such as a whistle, are perceived as having a high pitch, while low-frequency sounds, like a bass drum, are heard as low pitch. This relationship between frequency and pitch is fundamental in both music and everyday auditory experiences, allowing us to distinguish between different sounds based on their frequency content.

Tone refers more to the quality or color of a sound rather than its frequency, and volume relates to the loudness of a sound, which is determined by amplitude rather than frequency. Amplitude measures the height of the sound wave, affecting how loud or soft it is perceived, but it does not influence the pitch. Therefore, pitch is the correct term for describing how we perceive the frequency of sound.