Acústica

Acústica is the branch of physics that deals with the study of all mechanical waves in gases, liquids, and solids including topics such as vibration, sound, ultrasound and infrasound. A scientist who works in the field of acoustics is an acoustician while someone working in the field of acoustics technology may be called an acoustical engineer.

Etymology

The word "acoustic" is derived from the Greek word ἀκουστικός (akoustikos), meaning "of or for hearing, ready to hear" and that from ἀκουστός (akoustos), "heard, audible", which in turn derives from the verb ἀκούω (akouo), "I hear".

Branches of Acoustics

Acoustics is divided into a number of subfields including Aeroacoustics, Bioacoustics, Electroacoustics, Environmental noise, Musical acoustics, Noise control, Psychoacoustics, Speech, Ultrasonics, Underwater acoustics, and Vibration.

Related Terms

• Sound: A type of wave that is an oscillation of pressure transmitted through a solid, liquid, or gas, composed of frequencies within the range of hearing.
• Ultrasound: Sound waves with frequencies higher than the upper audible limit of human hearing.
• Infrasound: Sound waves with frequencies below the lower limit of human audibility.
• Vibration: An oscillation of the parts of a fluid or an elastic solid whose equilibrium has been disturbed.
• Noise: Unwanted or disturbing sound.

See Also

• Acoustical engineering
• Acoustical measurements and instrumentation
• Acoustical society of America
• Architectural acoustics
• Psychoacoustics

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