Answer :
The question pertains to the physics of sound and how it relates to vowel sounds in speech. In general, vowel sounds are complex tones that can be described using the fundamental frequency and its harmonics.
Fundamental Frequency:
The fundamental frequency, often denoted as [tex]f_0[/tex], is the lowest frequency of a periodic waveform. It is the first harmonic and determines the pitch of the sound. In human speech, the fundamental frequency is influenced by the rate of the vocal cords' vibrations.
Vowels and Harmonics:
Vowels in speech are characterized by patterns of frequencies known as formants. These formants are resonant frequencies that are independent of the fundamental frequency. Different vowels are distinguished by their unique formant patterns, primarily the first and second formants ([tex]F_1[/tex] and [tex]F_2[/tex]).
Relationship between Fundamental Frequency and Vowels:
The statement "The frequency of the fundamental dictates the particular vowel" is mostly about the general pitch rather than the vowel quality itself. The quality of a vowel is not dictated by the fundamental frequency but by the formants. For instance, the shape and configuration of the vocal tract when producing different vowels alter the resonant frequencies, thereby changing the formants.
In summary, the frequency of the fundamental affects the pitch but not the vowel quality. The vowel sound is determined by the shape of the vocal tract, which influences the formants.
