Many people want to find answers to questions about what sound phenomena are, how and where they come from. By what principle do some sounds differ from others? Why do we hear them?
Today we look at the section of physics that studies sound phenomena. This section is called acoustics.
Oscillation is the cause of all sounds on the planet
If we hear some kind of noise, then mentally we can imagine this source that makes it. So, if you look at it, there we will see what fluctuates. When we talk with you, the vocal cords vibrate inside our body. So we hear our own voice. Examples of sound phenomena in physics we observe and hear every day.
History reference
Physics has been studying sound phenomena since ancient times. Our eternal companions in life are noises and sounds. There are noise vibrations pleasant to us, while others annoy us. With these words, we can conclude that sounds and sound phenomena affect the consciousness and well-being of a person in different ways. It is known that from some noises a person can go crazy, but there are sounds that can heal any ailment in a person. All these discoveries were made by man even before our era. A little later you will find out what sound phenomena are. In the meantime, let's talk about discoveries in the field of acoustics.
Ancient civilizations
The amazing healing effect of sound on a person was noticed by the clergy of the temples of Ancient Egypt. Naturally, they used this phenomenon for religious purposes. Now the ritual feasts of the Egyptians were not complete without choirs and chants. A little later, music and sounds broke into the temples of Christians. The Indians took possession of a high level of musical skill before anyone else. Even in those days, they created and actively used musical notation. The Indians endowed each note with a specific meaning. The last note of the “Not” scale meant sadness, the note “Pa” meant joy.
Pythagoras - father of acoustics
Since ancient times, people have sought to study sound phenomena. For example, the ancient Greek scientist mathematician and philosopher Pythagoras, who lived about 2.5 thousand years ago, conducted various experiments with sounds. Thanks to his discoveries, he proved that the low tone of instruments is inherent only in those that have long strings. When the string is shortened by half, the sound rises by one octave. Thanks to these conclusions of Pythagoras, the foundation was laid in the section of physics - acoustics. The very first acoustic instruments were created by the Greeks who lived in the era of antiquity. They used them in theaters. These devices were in the form of small horns that the actors inserted into their mask in order to amplify the sound. By the way, the phenomenon of whispering statues of gods in ancient Egypt was very interesting.
Rebirth and the New Time
For many centuries, sound phenomena continued to be studied. For example, even the painter Leonardo da Vinci was engaged in acoustics. In his writings, he formulated the principle of independence of sound waves from various sources. After 400 years, Joseph Saver published Acoustics Memoirs in France at the Paris Academy of Sciences in France. Then Newton studied the work of Saver. Based on his findings and conclusions, he developed a calculation of the sound wavelength. Newton came to the conclusion that the sound wavelength is twice as long as the pipe that reproduces this sound.
Sound definition
What is related to sound phenomena? We turn to the definition of the term “sound”. These are mechanical vibrations that propagate in elastic media, such as: gas, liquids, and solids. Such mechanical vibrations perceive the organs of hearing, that is, our ears. The simplest example that clarifies the essence of sound is the string of any musical instrument. It transmits vibrations to surrounding air particles. The vibrations spread far, and when they reach the ear, they cause vibrations of the eardrum. So we hear the sound differently.
Sound phenomena in nature
Sound waves cannot be seen. However, you can imagine how they will look. To do this, you need to go to any reservoir. If you throw a stone into a lake or pond, you will first see a depression. Then the water rises, and as a result, waves appear on the surface of the reservoir, which are alternately alternating depressions and ridges. They will be distributed in all directions.
Sections in acoustics
Acoustics deals with the emergence and spread, as well as sound absorption. Over the past 10 years, physical acoustics has discovered sounds that lie beyond hearing. They are studied by ultrasound. Technical acoustics deals with the processes of receiving, transmitting and recording techniques using electrical appliances. The next section studying the propagation of sound in a room is architectural acoustics. For her, not only the dimensions and shapes of the room where the sound is studied are important, but also the materials that cover the walls and ceilings of the room. Musical acoustics studies the nature and origin of musical sounds. Along with other sections, there is marine acoustics (sonar). It is designed to study sound phenomena in the aquatic environment. Hydroacoustics is necessary for the development, as well as the creation of sound devices that can be used on submarines. There is another view - atmospheric acoustics. She studies sound phenomena in the atmosphere. Physiological acoustics guards the hearing organs. Thanks to her, we know the capabilities of our organs, their structure and action. This type of acoustics studies the formation of sounds of speech organs. And the last view is biological acoustics. She considers the issues of ultrasonic and sound communication of animals. She also studies the location mechanisms that animals use, in addition, biological acoustics is designed to study the problems of noise and vibration, it is necessary in order to deal with harmful noises and to improve the environment.
Abnormal natural sound phenomena
There are places on our planet known for the rumble phenomenon. It is described as a constant and low-frequency buzz. The source of this sound has not yet been detected. The city of Talas in New Mexico has such an abnormal sound source. Surprisingly, only 2% of the local residents hear this hum, they say that the sound is extremely disturbing.
Abnormal natural sound phenomena
One of the most pleasant sounds a person considers purring cats. Scientists are still studying this phenomenon. The origin of this sound is still not able to establish. No less surprising in nature are considered very complex and long sounds made by males of humpback whales. Many scientists believed that this was necessary to attract females, but recent studies have shown that sound does not attract females at all, but males.
In nature, there are a huge number of sounds. We hear thunder. In winter, snow crunches under our feet. If you scream in the forest, we will hear an echo. It is also an example of sound phenomena in nature.
Thus, we examined examples of sound phenomena in physics and nature. Now, not a single test work is not afraid of you.