Reflection of Sound

In our previous blog of the series, we talked about ‘Production and propagation of sound’. Today we are going to discuss about ‘Reflection of sound’.

The term ‘reflection’ is defined as ‘throwing back of an object from a surface’. This term is frequently used for light, heat, and sound waves. In short, every wave propagation if strikes a surface and bounces back without absorption, will be termed as reflected wave. Whenever any form of wave strikes any wall or surface it bounces back in a straight line. In this phenomenon angle of reflection remains same as angle of incidence. This reflection of sound sometimes makes a set of reflected waves and compose them in a new constructive sound wave. Some of them are under discussion below.

Echo

We are very much familiar with the phenomenon of hearing same voices coming back again and again. This phenomenon can be easily observed in hill areas or in a big empty house. The phenomenon is defined as ‘the repetition of sound that is caused by reflection of sound waves’ and simply termed as echo.

Reverberation

We have been in a big hall or auditorium occasionally. Inside auditorium, production of sound creates echo. This echo keeps increasing and increasing until at a point it remains no longer audible. This phenomenon of sound persistence is known as reverberation.

Use of reflection of sound

Reflection of sound is widely used by;

Music: Musicians use this phenomenon to compose different kinds of music. All different kinds of musical instruments produce sound at the same time. These sounds get reflected and create a constructive interference of new and pleasant music.

Stethoscope: In medical industry, stethoscope is in wide use. The mechanic of stethoscope is designed such a way that, it reflects the sound of human body directly to the ears of doctors.

Concert or movie theater: The roof of movie theater and angle of concert sound systems are arranged in such a way that, in minimum number of sound system, whole audience can hear clear and loud audio.

That’s enough for now. In our next blogs we will discuss ultrasound and its application. Until then, go and try creating echo on your own and tell us about you experience in the comment box. We will be waiting for your comment.

Comments

Electric Motor - Brief History, Definition, Application and FAQs

Brief history of Electric Motor The history of the electric motor is a fascinating journey through centuries of innovation and technological advancements. Here is a detailed overview of its evolution: The concept of electromagnetism, the fundamental principle behind electric motors, was first discovered by Hans Christian Ørsted in 1820. His experiments demonstrated that an electric current could produce a magnetic field, laying the groundwork for the development of electric motors. Michael Faraday, a British scientist, made significant contributions to the understanding of electromagnetism. In 1821, he built the first electric motor by using a simple electromagnetic apparatus. Faraday's experiments paved the way for further research into electric motors. The late 19th century saw the commercialization of electric motors for various industrial applications. Inventors such as Thomas Davenport, who patented one of the earliest electric motors in 1837, and Nikola Tesla, who dev...

Non-Conventional Sources of Energy - Introduction, Brief History, Types, Applications and FAQs

Brief history of non-conventional sources of energy Our reliance on fossil fuels is a relatively recent phenomenon. Throughout history, humanity has explored various ways to harness energy from the environment, laying the groundwork for the non-conventional energy sources of today. Let's embark on a journey through time to explore the development of these sustainable alternatives. Early Renewable Efforts: Wind and Water Power the Way The use of non-conventional energy sources stretches back centuries. Windmills, the forerunners of modern wind turbines, emerged in Persia (modern-day Iran and surrounding regions) around 7th century AD. These wind-powered machines were used for grinding grain and pumping water, showcasing the early understanding of harnessing wind's kinetic energy. Water power also played a significant role in early societies. Water wheels, powered by flowing rivers or streams, were used for milling grains and powering various mechanical processes. The concept ...

Electric Circuits - A brief overview of history, definition and applications

Brief history of Electric Circuits Early Concepts: Ancient Wonders: While the concept of electric circuits as we know them didn't emerge until more recent times, early civilizations like the ancient Greeks had inklings of electrical phenomena. They observed static electricity through materials like amber, a substance that, when rubbed, attracted lightweight objects. 18th Century Enlightenment: Franklin's Experiments: In the mid-18th century, Benjamin Franklin's famous kite experiment demonstrated the connection between lightning and electricity. This period laid the groundwork for understanding the nature of electric charge. 19th Century Innovations: Ohm's Law: In the 1820s, Georg Simon Ohm formulated Ohm's Law, a fundamental principle that defines the relationship between voltage, current, and resistance in a circuit. This was a pivotal moment in understanding the quantitative aspects of electricity. Telegraphy and Electrical Communication: Morse ...

Chronon

Search This Blog