Acoustic phonetics is the branch of phonetics that studies the physical properties of speech sounds. It focuses on how sounds are produced, transmitted, and perceived, analyzing their frequency, amplitude, and duration. This field uses tools like spectrograms to visualize sound waves, helping researchers understand the characteristics of different speech sounds. By examining the acoustic properties of speech, scientists can identify patterns and variations in language. This information is crucial for various applications, including speech recognition technology, linguistics, and language teaching. Understanding acoustic phonetics enhances our knowledge of how humans communicate through sound.