Question

What is reverberation? How can it be reduced?

Answer 1

Hint: Reverberation is a process in which the repeated reflection of a sound is heard even after the original source has stopped. Reverberation can be reduced by using some kind of sound absorbing products that absorbs echo or reverberation within a room.

Complete step by step solution:
A reverberation is created when a sound wave or a signal is reflected by numerous surfaces such that the reflections persist even after the original sound source has stopped. It is most noticeable when the original sound produces no more sound but the reflections continue with decreasing amplitude until the amplitude reaches zero. Reverberation occurs naturally when a person talks or sings in a hall or a place with sound reflective surfaces. It reduces the speech intelligibility and causes more problems when noise is present. It is also often electrically added to vocal singers or musical instruments.
The process of removing the effects of reverberation from a sound is called de-reverberation. Reverberation can be reduced by using some kind of material on the walls or ceiling of the room that absorbs the sound waves rather than reflecting it. Plastics, fibreboards, or curtains are some of the substances that are used to reduce the reverberation of sound.

Note:
Reverberation is different from echo as the reflected sound in an echo is heard 50 to 100 milliseconds after the source has stopped producing the sound. In the case of reverberation, the reflected sound waves arrive in a sequence less than 50 milliseconds after. Reverberation is not only limited to the indoor spaces. It also exists in forests and many other outdoor environments.