MP Board · Class 9 · Science · SoundWhat is reverberation? How can reverberation be reduced in a big hall or auditorium?

Reverberation is the persistent repetition of sound caused by multiple continuous reflections from surfaces such as walls, ceilings, and floors in an enclosed space even after the sound source has stopped emitting sound. \nIf the reverberation time is too long, the reflected sound waves overlap with consecutive incoming sounds, causing speech to sound distorted, muffled, and difficult to comprehend clearly.

Methods to reduce reverberation in big halls or auditoriums:

1. Covering the walls and ceiling with sound-absorbing acoustic materials such as compressed fiberboard, acoustic tiles, or rough plaster.
2. Hanging heavy, dense curtains on doors, windows, and walls.
3. Installing seats with soft, sound-absorbing upholstery material so that audience seating absorbs excess sound energy.