Beat (acoustics)
Beat (acoustics)
Beat (pronunciation: /bi:t/) in acoustics refers to the interference pattern between two sounds of slightly different frequencies, perceived as a periodic variation in volume whose rate is the difference of the two frequencies.
Etymology
The term "beat" comes from the Old English "bēatan" which means "to beat, to strike". It was first used in the context of acoustics in the 19th century.
Definition
In acoustics, a beat is an interference pattern between two sounds of slightly different frequency, resulting in a fluctuation in volume perceived by the listener. When two sounds with different frequencies are played together, the listener perceives a "beat" that is equal to the difference in frequencies.
Related Terms
- Frequency: The number of occurrences of a repeating event per unit of time. In acoustics, it refers to the number of cycles of a sound wave in one second.
- Interference (wave propagation): A phenomenon in which two waves superpose to form a resultant wave of greater, lower, or the same amplitude.
- Sound: A vibration that propagates as an acoustic wave, through a transmission medium such as a gas, liquid or solid.
- Volume (sound): The quantity of three-dimensional space enclosed by a closed surface, for example, the space that a substance (solid, liquid, gas, or plasma) or shape occupies or contains.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Beat (acoustics)
- Wikipedia's article - Beat (acoustics)
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