Reverberation is the persistence of sound in a space after the original sound has stopped. It occurs when sound waves reflect off surfaces like walls, floors, and ceilings, creating a series of echoes. This effect can enhance music and speech but can also make it difficult to understand sounds in certain environments.
In acoustics, reverberation time is a key measurement, indicating how long it takes for sound to decay in a room. Factors such as the size of the space, the materials used in construction, and the presence of furnishings all influence reverberation. Proper management of reverberation is important in venues like concert halls and theaters to ensure clear sound quality.