Is there even a scientific reason for this

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on the phenomenon of sound resonance experienced in a tiled bathroom when humming, where a specific pitch resulted in an unusually strong echo. Participants suggest that this effect is likely due to the room's resonance frequencies, which can amplify certain sounds. References to acoustic principles, such as standing waves and room modes, highlight the scientific basis for these observations. The conversation also touches on the importance of acoustic treatments in optimizing sound quality in spaces. Overall, the thread illustrates the fascinating interplay between sound and the physical characteristics of a room.
kay
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So this is what happened. the thing is that wherever i go i hum. So i was in the bathroom that day and it was as usual tiled everywhere. So when I started to hum, it echoed. Nothing special about it. But as i raised my pitch, there was a pitch at which my humming sound echoed ENORMOUSLY. And there was no other pitch at which it echoed SO MUCH. Is there any scientific reason for this?
( I don't know which subject this question pertained to. So I just chose classical physics. Sorry about that. )
 
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Borg said:
Resonance perhaps?
Dude I have no idea what it is.. Please be a bit more explicit?
 
kay said:
Dude I have no idea what it is.. Please be a bit more explicit?
Try clicking the link to the Wikipedia article.
 
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jh0 said:
Yes, it seems you have found one of the resonance frequencies of the room!
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Room_modes

We used to do this in our dorm room with my roommate's stereo. It had some kind of fixed-frequency output from the stereo amplifier (speaker check?) that we would turn on. The neat thing was that it produced standing waves in the room. You could walk around the room, and find nodes and antinodes. The OP might try having a friend (it must be a good, nerdy, non-judgemental friend, one who will not think the request to be strange... :) ) walk around the room to see if there is this kind of structure. I remember that the difference between loud and soft was very dramatic.

Benade's book: "Fundamentals of Musical Acoustics" talks some about these kinds of effect. [It is an inexpensive Dover paperback] Arthur Benade was a nuclear physicist at Case Western who switched his research area to musical acoustics.
 
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jh0 said:
Yes, it seems you have found one of the resonance frequencies of the room!
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Room_modes
After reading your reply to my question,
Man. I suddenly feel so special. Thanks a lot. :D
 
kay said:
After reading your reply to my question,
Man. I suddenly feel so special. Thanks a lot. :D

Your rooms response is something people who like good music reproduction spend a lot of time and money on things like acoustic treatments not to have. :D
You can use electronic EQ (effective for reducing peaks but not other room mode effects) but designing and/or adding passive treatments to a room with the correct physical properties improves sound at all locations not just a narrow location near the measurement device.
 
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nsaspook said:
Your rooms response is something people who like good music reproduction spend a lot of time and money on things like acoustic treatments not to have. :D
You can use electronic EQ (effective for reducing peaks but not other room mode effects) but designing and/or adding passive treatments to a room with the correct physical properties improves sound at all locations not just a narrow location near the measurement device.
No problems. :3
I have other rooms to make music in. xD
 
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