B Name: UTY 3_Requested Date:

Student No.: Assignment MT01 Rating:

Define and illustrate (attach an image or illustration of possible) the following ACOUSTICS related
terminologies.

1. Absorption coefficient
https://cdn.britannica.com/s:1500x700,q:85/00/5300-004-46404685/Absorption.jpg

Substances are selectively absorbing—that is, they absorb radiation of specific

wavelengths. Green glass is transparent to green light but opaque to blue and red;
hard rubber is transparent to infrared and X rays but opaque to visible light. Thus,
radiation of an unwanted wavelength may be removed from a mixture of waves by
letting them pass through an appropriate medium. Those substances that are
designed to absorb a particular wavelength or band of wavelengths are called filters.

As radiation passes through matter, it is absorbed to an extent depending on the

nature of the substance and its thickness. A homogeneous substance of a given
thickness may be thought of as consisting of a number of equally thin layers. Each
layer will absorb the same fraction of the energy that reaches it. The diagram shows
a beam of waves passing from right to left through a series of layers (d1, d2, d3) of a
medium. If the fractional absorption is taken as 33 percent, or 1/3, after the beam
passes through the first layer d1, its initial energy (E0) will be reduced to E0/3. One-
third the energy E0/3 will be absorbed passing through layer d2, and the beam will
enter layer d3 with energy 1/3 (E0/3), or (E0/9). Similarly, each successive layer
absorbs one-third of the energy it receives. Thus for radiation of a given wavelength,
an infinitesimally thin layer will reduce the energy of a wave by a fractional amount
that is proportional to the thickness of the layer. The change in energy as the wave
passes through a layer is a constant of the material for a given wavelength and is
called its absorption coefficient.

Absorption Coefficient Alpha - an overview | ScienceDirect Topics

2. Anechoic chamber
https://antennatestlab.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/RF-Anechoic-Absorber-For-Chamber-Antenna-
Cal.jpg
An anechoic chamber is a shielded room that has absorbing material applied to the walls, ceiling, and floor. Chambers
may be table top sized enclosures, but are normally room sized enclosures where engineers can enter and work. The
absorbers on the inside surfaces are often pyramidal shape, and give the room an unique “science fiction” look. You may
have also heard that they are very expensive. So why would anyone go to all of this trouble? Because there are many
benefits to antenna testing!... anechoic means without echos.
What is an Anechoic Chamber? Find Out How It Works And Why We Use Them (antennatestlab.com)

3. Attenuation

In physics, attenuation or, in some contexts, extinction is the gradual loss of flux intensity through a medium. For
instance, dark glasses attenuate sunlight, lead attenuates X-rays, and water and air attenuate both light and sound at
variable attenuation rates. Attenuation - Wikipedia

A. Light attenuation- The attenuation of light refers to the reduction in it’s intensity as it travels through a
medium due to absorption or scattering of photons.
Primary causes: photoelectric effect, Compton scattering and pair production(for photon energies above
1.022 MeV) Light Attenuation | Mini Physics - Learn Physics
B. sound attenuation, the loss of energy from sound waves. Basically, attenuation is a damping of sound, an
interruption that diminishes the volume and quality of the sound wave. Sound Attenuation: Definition & Effects -
Standardized Tests Class (Video) | Study.com

4. Background noise https://th.bing.com/th/id/Rde7db24d5389c7c09c6f0c20e9f590c5?

rik=xnOYqpYJHObU6A&riu=http%3a%2f%2fwww.earthtimes.org%2fnewsimage%2fbackground-noise-can-
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Background noise is any sound element that tends to distract or in some manner interfere with the ability of the
individual to hear or be heard. There are many different types of background noises, ranging from those that are almost
undetectable to others that are extremely irritating. Fortunately, there are often ways to minimize the intrusion of this
secondary noise and overcome the irritation. What is Background Noise? (with pictures) (wisegeek.com)

5. Break-in noise – ambient noise

6. Break-out noise – transfer of noise from a space surrounding the duct into the duct through duct walls

Noise from the fan inlet and outlet which is transmitted along the duct system is referred to as
“ductborne noise” whilst that passing through the fan casing or duct walls is called “break-out” or
“flanking” noise.
Flanking Noise (Breakout) Noise transmitted through a barrier, often a fan casing or ductwork.
Any indirect noise path which tends to devalue noise control measures used to reduce transmission
along the more obvious paths. https://www.troxuk.co.uk/downloads/2ec6fe4591b4e4da/6_0_sound-
and-sense.pdf

7. Dead room .  – room containing an unusually large amount of sound absorption.

Searcgh: dead roomhas a short reverberation time whiilw a A live room has a

long reverberation time 
www.britannica.com/science/acoustics/Acoustic-criteria

8. Decibel (db)
Decibels are in essence a measure of volume
The volume or intensity of sound is measured in units called decibels (dB), generally on a scale from zero to 140 (any higher
than 140 and you are in trouble immediately). The higher the number in decibels, the louder the noise. The louder the noise,
the greater the risk of hearing loss. Hearing loss can occur with regular exposure to noise levels of 110 decibels or more for
periods longer than one minute. Not only can noise cause hearing loss, it can also cause tinnitus.
9. Diffraction
Diffraction is a process by virtue of which a system of waves spreads out after passing through narrow gaps. The system
of waves includes sound waves, light waves, electromagnetic waves, water waves, etc. Diffraction, in general, is the
bending of waves around a small aperture. The process of diffraction was first observed by Francesco Maria Grimaldi,
an Italian mathematician and physicist. His work was officially published in the year 1665. Diffraction is quite a versatile
process that can be seen in a lot of daily practices.Diffuse sound (field)
A. (Acoustics) If someone calls your name loudly, you are able to hear it. If they hide behind a tall tree and call your
name with the same intensity, would you be able to hear that? The answer is yes, but how come the sound is not
blocked even when a huge tree is present in its pathway. The reason being sound travels and reaches your ear

through the process of diffraction. 10 Examples of Diffraction in Real Life –

StudiousGuy
b. Diffraction of light occurs when a light wave passes by a corner or through an opening or slit that is
physically the approximate size of, or even smaller than that light's wavelength. A very simple
demonstration of diffraction can be conducted by holding your hand in front of a light source and slowly
closing two fingers while observing the light transmitted between them.
 The Physics of Light and Color - Diffraction of Light
| Olympus LS (olympus-lifescience.com)
10. Diffuse sound (field)
DIFFUSE SOUND Sound that is completely random in phase; sound which appears to have no single source.
DIRECTIVITY FACTOR The ratio of the mean-square pressure (or intensity) on the axis of a transducer at a
certain distance to the mean-square pressure (or intensity) that a spherical source radiating the power would
produce at that point. 
 diffuse sound field is a room where acoustical issues that rooms present are more evenly distributed
throughout the room. A diffused sound field can be determined by taking reverberation time measurements
throughout the room. Next, we look at how all of https://w ww.acousticfields.com/sound-diffuser-
placement

11. Direct sound

Direct sound issues from the source itself, such as those frequencies coming from an actors mouth.
When a person is close to us, we hear essentially direct sound including low-frequency chest tones.

As the person moves farther away, we hear more of the reflected sound.

Direct Sound and Reflected Sound (filmsound.org)

12. Echo
In audio signal processing and acoustics, echo is a reflection of sound that arrives at the listener with a delay after the
direct sound. The delay is directly proportional to the distance of the reflecting surface from the source and the listener.
Echo - Wikipedia
13. Environmental noise
Environmental noise is defined as unwanted or harmful outdoor sound created by human activity, such as noise emitted
by means of transport, road traffic, rail traffic, air traffic and industrial activity.

From: Environmental Noise Pollution, 2014

14. Fidelity
"A dictionary definition of fidelity is 'the degree of exactness with which
something is copied or reproduced.' So it follows that 'High Fidelity' means
you get lotsa fidelity. What Does “Hi-Fi” Even Mean Anymore? This Is What the Experts Say
(gearpatrol.com)
15. Flutter echo
An acoustic problem known as flutter echo may occur when a sound reflects back and forth between untreated parallel
walls. If the time between reflections is large enough, your ears will perceive these reflections as an echo, rather than
sound that's diffusing throughout the room. This effect is strengthened by the regularity of the echoes, making it
 potentially quite audible to the human ear. The echo will eventually fade away due to the natural absorptive properties of
the walls, but flutter echo can be detrimental to the effectiveness of a critical listening environment.

16. Frequency

17. Impact noise - Impact noise is a sound that occurs as a brief interval. It is a sudden
burst of high intensity sound, such as that which results from an explosion or a
hammer strike. While similar, impulsive noise and impact noise are slightly
different. Impact sounds are caused by the impact of two solids hitting one
another. www.workplacetesting.com/definition/4079/impact-noise
18. Infrasonic - Infrasonic refers to sounds and notes that occur at frequencies below the audible range of
human hearing. Although inaudible, infrasonic frequencies are a critical part of many movie soundtracks, and
certain music like pipe organs, and include everything below 20Hz. If reproduced with enough
amplitude, infrasonic sound can be physically felt in the sternum and extremities. 
 https://www.svsound.com/blogs/glossary/infrasonic

19. Insulation - insulation - a material that reduces or prevents the transmission of heat or sound or
electricity. insulant, insulating material. building material - material used for constructing buildings. lagging -
used to wrap around pipes or boilers or laid in attics to prevent loss of heat.
https://www.thefreedictionary.com/insulation

Acoustic Insulation is any means of reducing the intensity of sound with respect to a specified source and receptor.
How Heat Is Transmitted Conduction: the transmission of heat from one molecule to another within a material or
from one material to another when they are held in direct contact. Thermal and Acoustic
Insulation - Front Desk Architects
20. Intermittent sound

Inverse square law -

https://

What is the Inverse Square Law?

In audio production, the inverse square law describes the reduction of a sound’s intensity over distance.
The inverse square law states that with every doubling of distance away from the sound source, the sound
will be four times less intense.
If you’re unfamiliar with how sound travels thro
21.
22. Isolation
In general, isolation is when someone or something is set apart or separated from other persons or things.
https://www.dictionary.com/e/quarantine-vs-isolation

Sound isolation is science, not magic, and as such it is possible to outline a foundation of basic principles
that define noise reduction in any given situation. https://www.tmsoundproofing.com/soundproofing-
principles.html

23. Leak
Leak definition, an unintended hole, crack, or the like, through which liquid, gas, light, etc., enters or
escapes: a leak in the roof https://www.dictionary.com/browse/leak
Acoustic leak detection is simply listening for leaks. However, Carter says, “You must be experienced to
hear leaks.” That’s because, while all water leaks produce sounds, different types of leaks produce different
sounds . . . and every type of pipe creates a different noise. “Different types of leaks …
24. Live room
A live room has a long reverberation time and a dead room a
short reverberation time. “Intimacy” refers to the feeling that listeners have of
being physically close to the performing group. A room is generally judged
intimate when the first reverberant sound reaches the listener within about 20
milliseconds of the direct sound.

www.britannica.com/science/acoustics/Acoustic-criteria

25. Loudness
loudness - the magnitude of sound (usually in a specified direction); "the kids
played their music at full volume". intensity, volume. sound property - an attribute
of sound. crescendo - (music) a gradual increase in loudness. fortissimo, forte -
(music) loud. www.thefreedictionary.com/loudness
www.thefreedictionary.com/loudness
26. Masking Sound masking is a sound that makes speech unintelligible, and a quiet space more comfortable. It
is the complex sound that must have broadband; meaning, a) a sound that covers an extensive band on the
frequencies that we can hear, and b) it must be a sound that is non-intrusive and non-fatiguing.vSound Masking: The
Reference Guide - Lonestar Acoustics
27. Noise Isolation Class (NIC) noise isolation class (NIC) A single-number rating derived from measured
values of noise reduction between two enclosed spaces that are connected by one or more paths. McGraw-Hill
Dictionary of Architecture and Construction. Copyright © ; 2003 by McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. Noise isolation
class | Article about noise isolation class by The Free Dictionary
28. Noise Reduction (NR) Noise reduction is the process of removing noise from a signal. All recording
devices, both analogue or digital, have traits which make them susceptible to noise. Noise can be random or white
noise with no coherence, or coherent noise introduced by the device's mechanism or processing algorithms.
https://www.definitions.net/definition/Noise Reduction
29. Noise Reduction Coefficient (NRC) Noise Reduction Coefficient (NRC) The Noise Reduction Coefficient
(commonly abbreviated NRC) is a scalar representation of the amount of sound energy absorbed upon striking a
particular surface. An NRC of 0 indicates perfect reflection; an NRC of 1 indicates perfect absorption.
Noise Reduction Coefficient (NRC) | Renhurst Ceiling Systems
renhurst.com/nrc/
30. Outdoor-Indoor Transmission Class (OITC) OITC is one rating system available to help compare the acoustic
performance of various wall systems. Others include the sound transmission class (STC) and the noise
reduction coefficient (NRC). Both OITC and STC indicate a wall’s ability to block the transmission of sound
from one side of the wall to the other. OITC differs from the STC rating in that the OITC was developed
specifically to indicate transmission of noise from transportation sources. STC was developed primarily for
indoor noise sources, such as human speech. Unlike OITC and STC, NRC indicates the ability of a wall to
absorb sound, which is useful for controlling sound reverberations within a room. OUTDOOR-INDOOR
TRANSMISSION CLASS OF CONCRETE MASONRY WALLS - NCMA
Pitch Pitch, in speech, the relative highness or lowness of a tone as perceived by the ear, which depends on the
number of vibrations per second produced by the vocal cords. Pitch is the main acoustic correlate of tone and
intonation (qq.v.). Read More on This Topic Japanese language: The word-pitch accent system
31. Pitch

32. Reflection coefficient The reflection coefficient is a parameter that describes how much of an
electromagnetic wave is reflected by an impedance discontinuity in the transmission medium. The reflection
coefficient is a very useful quality when determining VSWR or investigating the match between, for example, a
feeder and a load. Reflection coefficient definition https://www.electronics-notes.com/.../vswr-return-
loss/reflection-coefficient.php

33. Resonance Resonance, An object free to vibrate tends to do so at a specific rate called the object's natural,
or resonant, frequency. (This frequency depends on the size, shape, and composition of the object.) Such an
object will vibrate strongly when it is subjected to vibrations or regular impulses at a frequency equal to or
very close to its natural frequency. https://science.howstuffworks.com/resonance-info.htm
34. When loudspeakers pump sound energy into a
Reverberant sound field
room, the sound starts to bounce around within the room and very
rapidly, something called a reverberant field is achieved. This is a
steady state situation where the rate at which sound energy is being
lost is exactly balanced by the rate at which the loudspeakers add
energy. Sound Fields (whealy.com)
35. Reverberation ONE OF TWO RESUKTING DEFECTS IN MANY ROOMS. The definition of a reverberation
is a reflection of light or sound waves, or a wide reaching impact of an action. An example of a reverberation
is the sound bouncing around in a large speaker.  https://www.yourdictionary.com/reverberation

36. Reverberation Time (RT) Reverberation time is the time required for the sound to
“fade away” or decay in a closed space. Sound in a room will repeatedly bounce
off surfaces such as the floor, walls, ceiling, windows or tables. When these
reflections mix, a phenomeon known as reverberation is created.
www.cirrusresearch.co.uk/blog/2018/04/what-is-reverberation-time-and-how-it-i…
37. Sabin abin definition is - a unit of acoustic absorption equivalent to the absorption by one square foot of
a perfect absorber. https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sabin
38.
38.l Scattering Scattering is a term used in physics to describe a wide range of physical processes where moving
particles or radiation of some form, such as light or sound, is forced to deviate from a straight trajectory by
localized non-uniformities (including particles and radiation) in the medium through which they pass.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scattering
When light passes from one medium to any other medium say air, a glass of water then a part of the light is
absorbed by particles of the medium preceded by its subsequent radiation in a particular direction. This
phenomenon is termed as a scattering of light. https://byjus.com/physics/what-is-
scattering-of-light
For scattering, acoustic wavelengths are of the order of obstacles and medium
fluctuation dimensions. Francisco Maria Grimaldi first described scattering of optical
waves in 1665, in the opus Physicomathesis of lumine, but this principle was
renounced by Fresnel at the end of seventeenth century Acoustic Waves, Scattering
| SpringerLink

Image from page 201 of "Acoustic scattering in the ocean" (1963)

Title: Acoustic scattering in the ocean

39. Sound insulation

Sound insulation describes the reduction in sound across a partition. The sound
insulation across a good conventional, lightweight, office to office construction is
 typically in the order of 45 dB Dw. Sound insulation in buildings - Designing Buildings Wiki

40. Sound Intensity (SI)

41.

Soun
d Intensity Level (SIL)
42. Sound lock Sound Lock adjusts the system volume per channel (up to 14 channels) and generates a
smooth sound output by lowering the volume during loud scenes. Filter mode PER CHANNEL/MASTER When
using Sound Lock, you can set and use volume limit for each channel individually or filter the master channel,
which uses the highest limit set between all channels https://www.3appes.com/sound-lock
43. Sound pressure- in note it is fluctuating pressure of sound superimposed on the static air pressure

44. Sound pressure level Sound pressure level, or SPL, is a measurement of sound
pressure that uses Pascals (Pa) as its unit of measurement. We convert that into
the more popular decibel scale, or dB scale. Sound pressure is the difference
between the pressure from a sound wave and the ambient pressure of what the
sound is traveling through (usually air for our purposes). Understanding Sound Pressure
Level and the Decibel Scale | PTR (protoolreviews.com)

45. Sound Transmission Class (STC) Sound Transmission Class (STC ) is an integer rating of how well a
building partition attenuates airborne sound. In the USA, it is widely used to rate interior partitions, ceilings
and floors, doors, windows and exterior wall configurations (see ASTM International Classification E413 and
E90). Understanding STC and STC Ratings | Soundproofing Company
46. Structure-borne sound
Structure-borne sound Sound is caused by vibrations which transmit through a
medium and reach the ear or some other form of detecting device. Sound is
measured in loudness (decibels (dB)) and frequency (Hertz (Hz)). Sound in the built
environment tends to be structure-borne or airborne.Transmission Loss (TL)
www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/Structure-borne_sound

47. Transmission loss-

Transmission losses can happen due to several reasons such as radiation losses, conductor losses, heating
losses (dielectric), coronal losses and coupling losses. Conductor losses of the transmission line. Conductor
losses mainly occur due to the current flow in the conductor. Since the transmission line contains more
considerable resistance, this type of injuries is unavoidable.
www.electricalpowerenergy.com/2019/03/losses-of-transmission-line
48. Wavelength wavelength - the distance (measured in the direction of propagation)
between two points in the same phase in consecutive cycles of a wave distance -
the property created by the space between two objects or points

49. White noise

White Noise is a random signal with equal intensities at every frequency and is often defined in statistics as
a signal whose samples are a sequence of unrelated, random variables with no mean and limited
variance. White Noise (Statistics) Definition | DeepAI
50. Acoustician An acoustician is someone who specializes in the study of sound. Many people
mistakenly believe that acoustics is strictly musical or architectural in nature. On the contrary,
acoustics is the interdisciplinary study of sound, and the field is very diverse, including people who
study the production of sound, the physical properties of sound and its transmission in the
environment or within enclosed spaces, and how sounds are received and used. Acoustician –
Discovery of Sound in the Sea (dosits.org)
51. Acoustical Engineer n acoustical engineer is an engineer who specializes in the science of sound and
vibration (physics). Their primary function is the control of noise or vibration that can affect individuals, and
the improvement of the sound environment for the population. https://www.softdb.com/what-is-an-
acoustician

52. Sound Engineer Sound engineers, also known as audio engineers, mix, reproduce, and
manipulate the equalization and electronic effects of sound. They don't have to work strictly in music.
Some end up designing and controlling the sound at conferences, in theaters, and in any other venue that
requires sound projection for an audience.

Learn What Sound Engineers Do (thebalancecareers.com)

53. Acoustic Contractor In order to obtain your insulation & acoustical contractors license, you are required to
pass the Trade examination as well as the Law & Business exam. *Even though you can apply for an
insulation & acoustical contractors license when you are 18 years old, it is recommended that you be at least
23 years old due to experience requirement. https://www.contractorsischool.com/contractors-
license/insulation...

54. Acoustic Consultant Acoustical consultants specialize in sound engineering. They

are highly educated and certified professionals who have expertise in sound,
vibration and the application of acoustics. Overall, their goal is to reduce sound
at the source while considering other aspects such as design and analysis.
www.enoisecontrol.com/services/acoustical-consultant/
55. Acoustic Designer The Acoustics Designer is responsible for the design, quoting, administration and occasional on-site commissioning
for acoustics projects.  The Acoustics Designer will conduct on-site acoustic measurements and coordinate acquisition and rental of necessary
tools to do so, prepare necessary reports, provide technical input, suggest technical alternatives, and  develop cost estimates as possible, work
closely with the Salesperson and the Project Manager to ensure the project design meets client expectations and that project deadlines and
budget parameters are met. The Acoustics Designer also has the responsibility to oversee the commissioning and post-construction testing of
projects where those services are requested. The Acoustics Designer must maintain a comprehensive knowledge of acoustic products, best
practices, calculations, standard construction pricing and modeling to develop technical solutions and conceptual design specifications that meet
customer requirements. Acoustics Designer - Acoustical Society of America
56. Sound Designer The Sound Designer is responsible for obtaining all sound effects, whether recorded or
live for a specific production. He/She is also responsible for setting up the sound playback equipment and
must make sure the board operator is properly trained. Sound Design is an artistic component of the
production. https://theatre.uoregon.edu/production/sound-designer

57. Psychoacoustics Psychoacoustics is a multidisciplinary field that deals with the physical
(e.g. vibrations, wave theory), physiological (e.g. construction of the ear), and perceptual
(e.g. auditory sensations) correlates of sound production, transmission, and reception.  More
specifically, it forges a link among the physical, physiological, and perceptual frames of reference,
examining ways in which physics and physiology interact to give rise to auditory
sensations/perceptions.
[*Frame of reference: A collection of concepts and definitions accepted by a particular field or
bounded area of discourse.  It represents a particular world view]
 
As a field of study, Psychoacoustics has its origin in Psychophysics.  The science of
psychophysics [psycho-: internal world (from the Greek psyhi: mind/soul)  & physics: external world
(from the Greek physis: nature)] represents a systematic attempt to link the physical world with
sensation, whether tactile, visual, aural, gustational (taste), olfactional (smell), or
kinesthetic. Introduction to Psychoacoustics - Module 01 (acousticslab.org)
58. Audiology Audiology is the branch of science that studies hearing, balance, and related disorders. Its
practitioners, who treat those with hearing loss and proactively prevent related damage are audiologists.
https://www.definitions.net/definition/audiology
59. 59. Room Acoustics

60. Room acoustics is the broad term that describes how sound waves interact
with a room. Each room, and all the objects in it, will react differently to different
frequencies of sound. Every speaker will sound different in different rooms.

61. For example, imagine an empty room with hardwood floors and bare
drywall. Lots of echos, right? Now imagine the same size room with lush carpet,
lots of bookcases, a big plush sofa, and thick draperies. Quiet and intimate,
right? These are the fundamental extremes of room acoustics, and the ideal-
sounding room is somewhere in-between.

Room Acoustics - HomeTheaterReview