What Acoustics Is

Acoustics is the science of sound, particularly its production, transmission, and effects.

Sound is defined as a small mechanical disturbance that may propagate at a speed characteristic of the medium, provided the medium is of a great extent compared to a typical size of the disturbance. Sound may exist in gases, liquids or solids.

The applications of acoustics can be broken down into four main categories: Earth Sciences, Engineering, Life Sciences, and the Arts. Within Earth Sciences, acoustics is used in such applications as the development and refinement of underwater detection devices, the measurement of seismic waves and sound levels in the atmosphere. Engineering applications of acoustics include Noise Control, Electro-Acoustics, Sonic and Ultrasonic Engineering systems, non-destructive material testing, shock and vibrations of mechanical systems, and sound quality design of products. Life Sciences use Acoustics in hearing, speech production, bio-acoustics, and psychoacoustics. In the Arts, Acoustics is involved in musical instruments, room acoustics, and communications. The following article describes some of the fundamental principles of Acoustics.

For further information, see Engineering Acoustics.