Details about sound wave

Sound is a longitudinal, mechanical wave.

Sound can travel through any medium, but it cannot travel through a vacuum. There is no sound in outer space.

Sound is a variation in pressure. Region of increased pressure on a sound wave is called a compression (or condensation). A region of decreased pressure on a sound wave is called a rarefaction (or dilation).

The sources of sound

• vibrating solids
• rapid expansion or compression (explosions and implositons)
• Smooth (laminar) air flow around blunt obstacles may result in the formation of vorticies (the plural of vortex) that snap off or shed with a characteristic frequency. This process is called vortex shedding and is another means by which sound waves are formed. This is how a whistle or flute produces sound. Aslo the aeolian harp effect of singing power lines and fluttering venetian blinds.

What are the different characteristics of a wave? What are the things that can be measured about waves? Amplitude, frequency (and period), wavelength, speed, and maybe phase. Deal with each one in that order.

amplitude, intensity, loudness, volume

• Typical sounds produced by human speech have freqeuncies on the order of 100 to 1000 Hz.
• The peak sensitivity of human hearing is around 4000 Hz.

scraps

• As with any wave the speed of sound depends on the medium in which it is propagating.
• Sound generally travels faster in solids and liquids than in gases.
• The speed of sound is faster in materials that have some stiffness like steel and slower in softer materials like rubber.
• Factors Which Affect the Speed of Sound in Air.
• The speed of sound in air is approximately 330 m/s (about 1,200 kph or 700 mph).
• The speed of sound in air is nearly the same for all frequencies and amplitudes.
• It increases with temperature.
• Determining the Distance to a Lightning Bolt: Sound waves take approximately 5 seconds to travel 1 mile. Using this information, it is possible to measure one's distance from a lightning bolt. Begin counting immediately after you see the flash. Every five seconds counted is roughly equivalent to one mile of distance.

infrasound

• avalanches: location, depth, duration
• meteors: altitude, direction, type, size, location
• ocean waves: storms at sea, magnitude, spectra
• severe weather: location, intensity
• tornadoes:detection, location, warning, core radius, funnel shape, precursors
• turbulence: aircraft avoidance, altitude, strength, extent
• earthquakes: precursors, seismic-acoustic coupling
• volcanoes: location, intensity
• Elephants, whales, hippos, rhinoceros, giraffe, okapi, and alligator are just a few examples of animals that create infrasound.
• Some migratory birds are able to hear the infrasonic sounds produced when ocean waves break. This allows them to orient themselves with coastlines.
• An elephant is capable of hearing sound waves well below our the human hearing limitation (approximately 30 Hertz). Typically, an elephant's numerous different rumbles will span between 14 and 35 Hertz. The far reaching use of high pressure infrasound opens the elephant's spatial experience far beyond our limited capabilities.
• Silent Thunder, Katy Payne

ultrasound

• animal echolocation
  • microchiropterans a.k.a. microbats: carnivorous bats (not fruit bats or flying foxes)
  • cetaceans: dolphins, porpoises, orcas, whales
  • two bird species: swiftlets and oilbirds
  • some visually impared humans have learned this technique

• sonar (an acronym for sound navigation and ranging) including
  • bathymetry
  • echo sounding
  • fish finders
• medical ultrasonography (the images generated are called sonograms).

Typical Parameters of Medical Ultrasound
	frequency (MHz)			power (W)	intensity (W/cm2)	pulse duration
imaging, echo	1	–	20	0.05	1.75	0.2	–	1 μs
imaging, doppler	1	–	20	0.15	15.7	0.3	–	10 μs
physiotherapy	0.5	–	3	< 3	2.5	continuous
surgery	0.5	–	10	~ 200	1,500	1	–	16 s

human hearing and speech

• locating the source of sound
  • Interaural Time Difference (ITD)
  • Interaural Phase Difference (IPD) Phase differences are one way we localize sounds. Only effective for wavelengths greater than 2 head diameters (ear-to-ear distances).
  • Interaural Level difference (ILD) Sound waves diffract easily at wavelengths larger than the diameter of the human head (around 500 Hz wavelength equals 69 cm). At higher frequencies the head casts a "shadow". Sounds in one ear will be louder than the other.
• The human ear can distinguish some …
  • 1400 different pitches
• three (four?)vocal registers
• (whistle register?)
• falsetto
• modal — the usual speaking register
• vocal fry — the lowest of the three vocal registers

Source :  http://physics.info/sound/ 

Listening quotes -1

"If speaking is silver, then listening is gold."

— Turkish Proverb

"Effective listeners remember that "words have no meaning - people have meaning." The assignment of meaning to a term is an internal process; meaning comes from inside us. And although our experiences, knowledge and attitudes differ, we often misinterpret each other’s messages while under the illusion that a common understanding has been achieved."

— Larry Barker

More to be found at 

link : http://www.leadershipnow.com/listeningquotes.html

The Week 4 Assignment

Title : Environment

To begin with let's get a one-to-one understanding of the definition of the word 'Environment'

en·vi·ron·ment

  Pronounce as - /ɛnˈvaɪrənmənt, -ˈvaɪərn-/ Show Spelled[en-vahy-ruhn-muhnt]


Definition of ENVIRONMENT

1 : the circumstances, objects, or conditions by which one is surrounded

2 : the complex of physical, chemical, and biotic factors (as climate, soil, and living things) that act upon an organism or an ecological community and ultimately determine its form and survival.

3 : the aggregate of social and cultural conditions that influence the life of an individual or community

4 : the position or characteristic position of a linguistic element in a sequence

5 : a computer interface from which various tasks can be performed <a programming environment>

Okie,having define the definition of Environment I could now proceed on presenting my share of view and my very own perception on this particular task whereby we are supposed to record a video of the Environment.The video recording of the Environment could be practically made of anything from video footages of thunder,rain,waterfall etc.Therefore I have decided to capture images and videos of the environment.Sounds plain isn't it?.Well personally,I think many of us tend to neglect or even forget to appreciate mother nature and yes, there have been many a times when we often take upper hand of the environment.It is only after I did this assignment did I realize that how wonderfully beautiful and magnificent our environment is.Who could have known that even the sight of a beautiful wild flower in the midst of nowhere could be so attractive and possess  to abilty to give one a sense of calmness and serenity by just looking at it?.The environment is indeed what I would call and descripe personally as "beyond beautiful".Sadly,not many people are aware of the damages that is being inflict on the environment by our actions nor even understand the value of it.

If only people could step back for a moment and forget about the hustle and bustle of this hectic city life and open both eyes to realize what has taken its toll on the environment(pollutions and global warming) and just solely look at the world(environment) and thank god that at least we are lucky enough to be able to see and witness some greeneries.Perhaps you could dwell and understand what I am trying to potray here and who knows maybe just maybe....you could feel and hear the heartbeat of the environment.

(The view of man made architectures from above ground level)

[Lookout for the sounds of birds chirping and the sounds of wind blowing]

NOTE : Pls do ignore the sudden conversation in the video =D

(Palm Oasis along the road)

(One of the twin's)

( UFO cloud's)

( Water Gallore)

( Blossoming season)

( Can you feel the heat? )

( Lemon colored grass [ the best natural way to massage your body by lying on your back on the grass and let it's tiny,tingly and sharp sensation relaxed every ounce of your muscles] )

( Reminds me of a hindustani duet setting where the couple starts dancing and rolling in a vast green grass area)

( The playground but sadly there was no kids or todlers to be found)

( The golden mosque @ Taman Melati.Picture captured while I'm on a fast moving train)

Goodies,Freebies & Discounts (Don't We All Love Em')

Malaysia Federal Territory Day 2012 Goodies

In conjunction with the Hari Wilayah,the government has decided to show its appreciatition to the nation by offering dicounts,giving out freebies and plenty of goodies!.Can't trust me for sure eh?No worries.Here are exactly what is the the offer all about.

FEDERAL TERRITORY OF KUALA LUMPUR
(Kuala Lumpur City Hall & Federal Territories Director of Lands & Mines Office)

• All traffic compounds issued by DBKL before 1 March 2011 will be charge with RM30. Payments can be made starting from February 1st - 28th, 2012.
  
• Free usage of sport facilities from February 1st - 7th, 2012.
  
• Free membership fee for all DBKL libraries in the month of February, 2012
  
• Free boat usage & pony ride at Taman Tasik Titiwangsa from February 1st - 7th, 2012.
  
• Usage of Public Toilets is also free beginning from February 1st - 7th, 2012.
  
• MyKad holders will only be charged RM1 for the 'Hop On Hop Off' ride starting on February 1st.
  
• Entrance fee of RM1 will be applicable to all MyKad holders visiting Petrosains (children only), Butterfly Garden and Bird Park.
  
• 30% discount on entry ticket for Aquaria.
  
• Flat rate (RM20 for Adults and RM15 for children) will be implemented for those looking to go up KL Tower.

• 5% discount for online land-tax payment
  
• 50% reduction on 2012's outstanding fines.
  
• Incentive in the form of reduction involving premium payment and advance for applicants of the 5A Notice.
  
• Exemption from payment for application, approval and processes relating to the Projek Perumahan Rakyat (PPR) and Perumahan Awam (PA).
  
• Application for determination of the Share Unit formula (PPFUS)

Doesn't this all seems too good to be true?.Thanks to the government and these amazing offers I finally got the chance to get myself to ride the Hop On,Hop Off Tour Bus.Here are some of the pictures I have snap.

( FLAT RATE! AS LOW AS RM 1!)

(In the bus on the Double Decker)

 ( The 1st stop or station,there's another 26 more stations and stops to go)

 ( "The Gasing Top",KL Tower)

(Sultan's old palace,Front Gate)

Hari Wilayah (Federal Territory Day)

Federal Territory Day 2012

Well the Federal Territory Day has already ended and while some might say that it was organized and celebrated quite splendidly others may think vice versa.Either way im quite sceptical as to how many of us Malaysians do realize that come 1st February 2012, the Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur will be celebrating the 38th anniversary of its founding.Yes,you heard them right,38 years of prolonged history.Going on a basic introduction,the Federal Territory Day or Hari Wilayah Persekutuan is a state holiday for Federal Territory in Malaysia. It is celebrated on the 1st of February every year in Kuala Lumpur, Labuan and Putrajaya. This date marks the anniversary of formation of the Kuala Lumpur Federal Territory in 1974.

Now,let me take you back on memory lane.The Federal Territories in Malaysia comprise of three territories namely Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya and Labuan. Kuala Lumpur is the national capital of Malaysia, Putrajaya is the administrative capital, and Labuan is an offshore international financial centre. Both Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya are enclaves in the state of Selangor, while Labuan is an island off the coast of Sabah. The official anthem of the territories is "Maju dan Sejahtera", which means "Progress and Prosperity". Each federal territory has its own flag.

Below is the video music of the official anthem for the Federal Territory Day.

This official Federal Territory Day song was inaugurated by YAB Timbalan Perdana Menteri Malaysia, Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin on the 29 January 2011 on the occasion of the launching ceremony and parade that is in line with the Federal Territory Day Celebration.

Starting on from this date,this song will be used and and played for all official ceremony and also the Federal Territory agencies and not forgetting all the schools that are situated in Wilayah Persekutuan.

Lyrics :

Inilah wilayah bumi yang bertuah
Maju membangun dijulang megah
Aman sentosa di sepanjang masa
Teguh disemai sentiasa

Membara semangat setiap warganya
Cergas mindanya semangat waja
Pada wilayah ditumpah setia
Hormat hormati penuh mesra

Bersatulah Berbaktilah
Semua warga wilayah

Sayangilah Lindungilah
Sepenuh jiwa raga

Kita jaga keharmonian semua
Maju sejahtera
Wilayah Persekutuan

Flag of Kuala Lumpur

Flag of Labuan

Flag of Putrajaya

The Federal Territory encompasses the actual city of Kuala Lumpur, the nation's capital, and its outlying areas known locally as the Klang Valley. An urban centre, the Federal Territory's principal tourist attraction is the nation's capital itself, Kuala Lumpur. The city itself has a long history, dating back to the 18th century when it began as a mining town.

 

Most tourist attractions are located within the city, such as the historical landmarks that trace Malaysia's development, and the various shopping malls that offer a wide variety of international brands. There are also various handicraft centres, including the historic Central Market where tourists can purchase authentic traditional handicraft and souvenirs.

KL Central Market

Petronas Twin Towers

As the nation's capital, Kuala Lumpur also hosts various international events and exhibitions at modern venues like the Petronas Twin Towers and the Putra World Trade Centre. Although most of the attractions are located within the city limits, there are an amazing selection of great food outlets at the outlying areas of the Klang Valley. Most of these outlets, however, are known mostly to locals and are often hidden in residential areas. I know I may be saying this a little too late but it's always better to do late than never,so hear I go wishing all Malaysians a very happy Federal Teritory Day,Selamat Hari Wilayah.

Keen ears in class

Today we are going to address the first academic survival skill – LISTENING!

If you think about most of your day as a student, the majority of your time is is spent listening to your professor lecture.  So if you are taking 15 credits of college courses, this tells me you are spending a minimum of 15 hours a week of consistent listening. As a high school student, at least 6 hours of the day is spent in the classroom listening to teachers or participating in class; which equates to about 30 hours of classroom listening.

So as you see, if we are going to spend most of our week listening, it is essential to become an active listener.

Here are a few things you can do to improve your classroom listening skills as a high school student, college student or non-traditional student.

1. Come to class well rested and energized. Your sleep is very important to your grades
2. Be prepared for class. Come prepared by completing any and all previous reading assignments or homework. Its always best to be ahead of the teacher’s syllabus.
3. Move to the front or “energy zone” of the professor. This is the part of the classroom, where the professor focuses most of his speaking energy when he speaks. This normally is the area, where students are giving the professor the most attention. Also move closer to the front so you won’t have any trouble seeing, hearing or paying attention.
4. Focus your attention on what the speaker is saying – not on the upcoming weekend, the sound of the speaker’s voice, or any thing that doesn’t matter.
5. Evaluate what you hear – think about what the professor’s or teacher’s words mean and how they relate to what you already know about the class subject.
6. Take great notes. Since its impossible for even the best listeners to remember all that has been said. Take great notes.

So there are six ways you can improve your classroom listening skills. Since your academic success relies on listening, begin today putting these simple techniques together. I also would like to hear others ways you have improved your listening and retained classroom information.

Sunset Recordings

(Recordings of Sunset @ my place in Taman Melati)

-Sorry for the shaky hands while recording-

(Recordings of Sunset in Aruba,Lesser Antilles)



Sunset Pictures

( Don't your eyes just shine by looking at it?)

(Typical and most common view of sunset sightings)

( Rays of Sunset)

(Sunset in the city)

( Not quite sure if it's a sunset or a lunar eclipse phenomenon)



Sunset

Sunset is the point at which the sun finally disappears over the western horizon, so that it has vanished altogether.

However, sunset can also be thought of as lasting from the point at which the sun first appears to connect with the horizon, to the point when it finally disappears.

Some say that the term “sunset” is actually an incorrect term based upon a false perception of the relationship between the earth and the sun, and that it appears to imply that the sun is moving around the earth, whereas, since the time of Galileo, we have known that it is in fact the earth which moves around the sun. But, in daily language, we all know what we mean by sunset, and it refers specifically to our view of the sun as outlined above.

The daily appearance and disappearance of the sun has played a pivotal role in the lives of humans and animals from time immemorial, and determines much of our daily routine.

Sunsets are romantic, intimate, sexy, calming, and personal: it explodes the senses with immense pleasures ever so softly. This is definitely a moment in time when I grab my camera to capture the beauty and a moment in time when I stop, sit down, and inhale deeply and just for a moment all my worries,stress and anxiety just seem to get washed away.

Process of Communication

Components of Communication

We know that communication is a process of transmitting and receiving messages (verbal and non-verbal). Communication is a dialogue not a monologue. So, a communication is said to be effective only if it brings the desired response from the receiver.
Communication consists of six components or elements.

Components of Communication

1. Context
2. Sender/Encoder
3. Message
4. Medium
5. Receiver/Decoder
6. Feedback

Context

Every message (Oral or written), begins with context. Context is a very broad field that consists different aspects. One aspect is country, culture and organization. Every organization, culture and country communicate information in their own way.
Another aspect of context is external stimulus. The sources of external stimulus includes; meeting, letter, memo, telephone call, fax, note, email and even a casual conversation. This external stimuli motivates you to respond and this response may be oral or written.
Internal stimuli is another aspect of communication. Internal Stimuli includes; You opinion, attitude, likes, dis-likes, emotions, experience, education and confidence. These all have multifaceted influence on the way you communicate you ideas.
A sender can communicate his ideas effectively by considering all aspects of context mentioned above.

Sender/Encoder

Encoder is the person who sends message. In oral communication the encoder is speaker, and in written communication writer is the encoder. An encoder uses combination of symbols, words, graphs and pictures understandable by the receiver, to best convey his message in order to achieve his desired response.

Message

Message is the information that is exchanged between sender and receiver. The first task is to decide what you want to communicate and what would be the content of your message; what are the main points of your message and what other information to include. The central idea of the message must be clear. While writing the message, encoder should keep in mind all aspects of context and the receiver (How he will interpret the message). Messages can be intentional and unintentional.

Medium

Medium is the channel through which encoder will communicate his message. How the message gets there. Your medium to send a message, may be print, electronic, or sound. Medium may be a person as postman. The choice of medium totally depends on the nature of you message and contextual factors discussed above. Choice of medium is also influence by the relationship between the sender and receiver.
The oral medium, to convey your message, is effective when your message is urgent, personal or when immediate feedback is desired. While, when your message is ling, technical and needs to be documented, then written medium should be preferred that is formal in nature. These guidelines may change while communicating internationally where complex situations are dealt orally and communicated in writing later on.

Receiver/Decoder

The person to whom the message is being sent is called ‘receiver’/’decoder’. Receiver may be a listener or a reader depending on the choice of medium by sender to transmit the message. Receiver is also influenced by the context, internal and external stimuli.
Receiver is the person who interprets the message, so higher the chances are of mis-communication because of receivers perception, opinion, attitude and personality. There will be minor deviation in transmitting the exact idea only if your receiver is educated and have communication skills.

Feedback

Response or reaction of the receiver, to a message, is called ‘feedback’. Feedback may be written or oral message, an action or simply, silence may also be a feedback to a message.
Feedback is the most important component of communication in business. Communication is said to be effective only when it receives some feedback. Feedback, actually, completes the loop of communication.