MODULE 2: ACOUSTICS FUNDAMENTALS

  • Acoustics :: branch of physics that deals w/ the production, control, transmission, reception and effects of sound
  • Architectural acoustics :: deals w/ sound in the built envi.
  • Environmental acoustics :: sound in a particular space (e.g factories and facilities) that has machineries, the sound they create are considered plus sounds outside bldg.
  • Sound :: wave motion in air or other elastic media; effect of the stimulated sensation in the ear by mechanical radiant energy
  • Alex Graham Bell :: developed the telephone
  • Sound wave :: longitudinal pressure wave in air / an elastic medium especially one producing an audible sensation
  • Wavelength :: distance measured in the direction of propagation of a wave, from any one point to the next point of corresponding phase
  • Amplitude :: maximum deviation of a wave from its average value
  • Frequency :: number of cycles per unit time of a wave
  • Hertz :: SI unit of frequency, equal to one cycle per second
  • Bass :: low frequency sound
  • Treble :: easiest to capture; high frequency sound
  • Midrange :: mid frequency sound
  • Decibel :: originally used to relate the intensity of sound to an intensity level corresponding to human sensation
  • Reflection :: Resultant sound energy returned from a surface that is not absorbed or otherwise dissipated upon contact with the surface
  • Refraction :: Change in the direction of waves as they pass from one medium to another
  • Diffusion :: The process of spreading or dispersing radiated energy so that it is less direct or coherent
  • Diffraction :: Bending of the travel of sound caused by an obstacle in its path; spreading out of waves beyond small openings