The acoustics is the branch of physics that studies the generation, propagation and properties of the sound. The word, as such, comes from the Greek ἀκουστικός (akoustikós), which in turn derives from ἀκούειν (akoüein), which means ‘to hear’.
In this sense, acoustics is about the production, control, transmission and reception of sound waves that propagate through matter, whether it is sound, infrasound or ultrasound.
Also, acoustics also refers to the discipline that studies the storage and reproduction of sounds.
On the other hand, acoustics can also refer to the characteristic of an enclosure depending on the quality of the reception of the sounds within it: “This room has impeccable acoustics for concerts.”
Musical acoustics
As musical acoustics, the one that is responsible for the study of the production and transmission of the sound generated from the musical instruments is called. In this sense, musical acoustics specializes in research and description of the way in which sounds are used to produce music. It is also a discipline that seeks to improve the sounds coming from musical instruments and the voice.
Architectural acoustics
The architectural acoustics is one that is responsible for the study of phenomena related to the propagation of sound in premises and buildings. In this sense, it is a discipline that studies the control of sound in both open and closed enclosures, either to obtain better acoustics, or to achieve adequate sound insulation.
