Light and Sound Key Concepts

Concepts of Light and Sound

  • Diffusion:

  • Scattered reflection of light from irregular surfaces or erratic dispersion through translucent materials.

  • Barrier:

  • Any physical environment that interferes with communication, creating challenges for those with hearing impairments.

  • Luminous Flux:

  • The rate of flow of visible light, measured in lumens.

  • Deflection:

  • Distance moved by an elastic body or spring under a static or dynamic force (measured in inches or mm).

  • Loudness:

  • Physical resonance to sound pressure and intensity.

  • Sodium Lamp:

  • A high-intensity discharge lamp that produces light through sodium vapor.

  • Sound Pressure:

  • Energy used during sound wave vibration.

  • Incandescent Lighting:

  • A type of lighting where a filament glows with light when heated by electric current.

  • Wavelength:

  • The distance between two identical points in a wave cycle.

  • Echo:

  • Reflected sound producing a distinct repetition of the original sound.

  • Cove Lighting:

  • Indirect lighting directed upward from an interior cornice, illuminating walls and draperies.

  • Frequency:

  • The number of oscillations or cycles per unit time, measured in Hertz.

  • High-Pressure-Sodium Lamp (HPS):

  • Lamp used generally for roadways, producing light via sodium gas.

  • Acoustics:

  • The branch of physics that deals with sound phenomena and their effects on people.

  • Speech Intelligibility:

  • The percentage of speech heard correctly by a listener.

  • Metal Halide Lamp:

  • A lamp often used in commercial settings, producing light via a mercury vapor electric discharge.

Electrical and Plumbing Systems

  • Circuit Breaker:

  • Switch that interrupts the electric circuit to prevent damage from excess current.

  • Junction Box:

  • A metal or plastic box for connection within conduit runs, facilitating drawing of conductors.

  • Riser Diagram:

  • Shows vertical relationships of electrical systems like panels and switchboards in a building.

  • Ball Cock:

  • A faucet controlled by a floating ball that automatically opens or closes based on water level.

  • HPS Weight Capacity:

  • Refers to grease retention capacity in a trap and fixtures in plumbing systems.

  • Waste Pipe:

  • Pipe designed to convey only liquid wastes free from fecal matter.

Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC)

  • HVAC System:

  • Systems for controlling temperature, humidity, air purity, and distribution within a building.

  • Humidifier:

  • Device that increases moisture in the air, often monitored by measuring atmospheric humidity.

  • Dewpoint:

  • Temperature at which air becomes saturated and condensation begins to form.

Light Types and Applications

  • LED Lights:

  • Used widely in both residential and commercial settings due to their energy efficiency and focus.

  • Fluorescent Lamps:

  • Lighting option that is energy-efficient and provides bright illumination.

  • CFL Lamps:

  • Compact fluorescent lamps known for their energy efficiency and task lighting capability.