The perceptual attributes of a sound can be different from the physical properties that characterize it.
For example, the physical property of [[fundamental frequency]] (measured in Hertz) corresponds to our perceptual attribute of [[pitch]] (measured in musical notes or semitones).
Another example is that the physical property of [[intensity]] (measured in decibels) corresponds to our perceptual attribute of [[loudness]] which can measured subjectively as soft, medium, or loud.
Additionally, the physical property of [[duration]] (measured in seconds) corresponds to our perceptual attribute of temporal extent or [[timing]].
The relations between perceptual and physical attributes of sound can be summarized in the following table.
| **Physical Quantity** | **Perceptual Quality** |
| ------------------------- | ---------------------- |
| [[intensity]] | [[loudness]] |
| [[fundamental frequency]] | [[pitch]] |
| [[power spectrum]] | [[timbre]] |
| [[duration]] | [[timing]] |