The Physics of Sound by Eleanor Hawking

"The Physics of Sound" explores the science behind the sounds we experience daily, examining sound waves and their applications in various fields. The book starts with the physics of wave mechanics, highlighting properties like frequency and wavelength, which affect pitch and loudness. Did you know that understanding wave behavior allows us to develop technologies like noise-canceling headphones? The book emphasizes the importance of comprehending sound wave behavior for innovation across disciplines.

The book progresses logically, building from basic sound wave properties to complex phenomena, such as reflection and refraction, explaining their uses in architectural acoustics and sonar. Later chapters explore musical acoustics, detailing how instruments create sound and how our ears perceive it. The book also covers acoustic technology, including recording, reproduction, and noise control, before concluding with advanced topics like ultrasound in medical imaging. This approach offers a holistic view of sound, connecting theory with practical applications.