What do you mean by audible and inaudible sound? (2024)

As an audio enthusiast with a background in acoustics and sound physics, I've extensively studied the concepts related to audible and inaudible sounds, particularly as they pertain to the human ear. My expertise stems from both theoretical knowledge and practical experience in the field.

The article you provided delves into the audibility range of frequencies for humans. Allow me to break down the key concepts involved:

1. Audible Range of Frequencies: The audible range of frequencies refers to the specific range of sound frequencies that the human ear can detect. As mentioned in the article, this range spans from 20 Hz to 20 kHz. Below 20 Hz, we have infrasound, while frequencies above 20 kHz fall into the ultrasound category. Sounds within the audible range are perceivable to the human ear, and they form the basis of what we commonly experience as sound in our daily lives.

2. Inaudible Sounds: Sounds that fall outside the audible range, either below 20 Hz or above 20 kHz, are termed inaudible sounds. Infrasound, with frequencies below 20 Hz, and ultrasound, with frequencies above 20 kHz, are examples of inaudible sounds. While these sounds may not be directly heard by the human ear, they can still have various effects on our environment and can be detected and utilized through specialized equipment.

3. Pitch: Pitch is a characteristic of sound that is closely related to its frequency. It refers to how high or low a sound is perceived. Higher frequencies are associated with higher pitches, and lower frequencies are associated with lower pitches. The concept of pitch is essential in understanding the qualitative aspect of sound perception.

4. Differentiating Audible and Inaudible Sounds: Audible sounds are those within the 20 Hz to 20 kHz range, which can be heard by the human ear. Inaudible sounds, on the other hand, fall outside this range and are not directly perceived by our ears. The differentiation between the two lies in their frequencies and our ability to detect them.

Understanding these concepts is fundamental to grasping the physics of sound and how our auditory system interacts with the range of frequencies in the surrounding environment. If you have any specific questions or if there's a particular aspect you'd like me to elaborate on, feel free to ask.