The phenomenon of multiple echoes due to repeated reflections is called ___________.

The correct answer is reverberation.

Key Points

• Reverberation refers to the persistence of sound in a space due to multiple reflections from surfaces like walls, ceilings, or floors.
• It occurs when sound waves bounce repeatedly, causing a prolonged echo-like effect until the sound energy dissipates.
• Reverberation is distinct from an echo, as it involves overlapping reflections that create a continuous sound rather than a clear repetition.
• It is commonly experienced in large enclosed spaces such as auditoriums, concert halls, or caves.
• The amount of reverberation is influenced by the size of the space and the materials present; hard surfaces tend to increase reverberation, while soft materials can absorb sound and reduce it.

Additional Information

• Echo: An echo is a distinct sound reflection that occurs when sound waves bounce off a surface and return to the listener after a delay. It is different from reverberation, which involves overlapping reflections.
• Resonance: Resonance happens when an object vibrates at its natural frequency due to external forces. It is unrelated to sound reflections but involves amplification of vibrations.
• Refraction: Refraction refers to the bending of sound waves as they pass through different mediums with varying densities, altering their speed and direction.
• Diffraction: Diffraction involves the bending and spreading of sound waves around obstacles or openings, allowing sound to travel beyond direct line-of-sight.
• Applications of Reverberation: Reverberation is used creatively in music production to add depth and ambiance to recordings. However, excessive reverberation in spaces can reduce speech intelligibility and require acoustic treatments.