ABSTRACT
An understanding of the physical characteristics of sound is required before we can make sense of our perceptions. Chapter 2 explains what sound is, and introduces the basic characteristics of sound waves, including the properties of pressure, intensity, and frequency. Measurement units such as decibels and hertz are explained. Typical sound waves are examined, from simple pure tones to complex tones and noise. The important concept of the spectrum is introduced: vital for understanding the function of the ear. Some mathematical knowledge is useful here, but the main ideas can be understood without the reader spending too much time bogged down in equations.>
