What happens to sound when reflection, refraction, and absorption occur?

1 Answer
Mark C.
Sep 8, 2017

OK, we'll take it in bits and get you an answer.

Explanation:

If the sound reflects, you hear an echo.

If the sound refracts, it will change direction (as it enters a denser medium the wave will bend towards the normal) and slow down as a result. So it will take longer to hear on the other side, and the apparent source of the sound will not match the real origin.

If sound is absorbed, you will not hear anything - all the energy has been converted (dissipated) to random vibrations (heat.)

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