Absorption, Reflection, Diffraction, and Diffusion

Five things can happen when sound encounters an object.

Sound can bounce off the object. This is known as a reflection. In this case no sound loss will occur.
Sound can soaked up by the object. This is known as an absorption. This will result in sound loss.
Sound can also be partially absorbed and partially reflected.
Sound can be spread or bent around the object. This is called a diffraction.
Sound can be spread evenly around the room. This is known as a diffusion.

Room dimensions

Room dimensions are the relationships of the walls, ceilings, and floors in a room.

If surfaces in a room are parallel to each other there will be a greater presence of resonant frequencies. Resonant frequencies have a wavelength that is equal to the length of the room itself and become amplified because of this.

Resonant frequencies also occur in many instruments such as drums to amplify the sound.

Tutorial 4. The Human Ear

Main Menu

Tutorial 1. Sound Waves
An introduction to sound waves

Tutorial 2. Phase Relationships
Explaines what happens when sound waves interact

Tutorial 3. Absorption, Reflection, Diffraction, and Diffusion
The things that can happen when sound encounters an object

Tutorial 4. The Human Ear
A discussion of the different parts that make up the ear. This section also covers hearing loss and prevention.

Tutorial 5. Analog Audio
A discussion about the analog audio format

Tutorial 6. Digital Audio
All about digital audio

Tutorial 7. The Analog to Digital Process
How analog sound waves are converted into digital data.

Tutorial 8 Microphones
A discussion of the three most common professional microphone types. Also information on pick-up patterns.

Absorption, Reflection, Diffraction, and Diffusion

Room dimensions

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