if a tree falls in the forest and no one is in the area. Does it make a sound?

Answer 1

See this all depends.... if this were in the philosophy section, then it could be debatable. But alas- it's in the botany section, so yes- it does make a sound. Friction is created as it falls through the air and hits the ground, and that friction causes soundwaves. Whether someone is there or not is irrelevant. Humans can only pick up on a certain range of decibels anyways. That doesn't mean just because we can't hear it, it doens't make a sound. It just means that we can't hear it. People need to get unstuck from themselves and think outside the human box. "If humans can't.... must not be possible." Meh.

Answer 2

NO. Sound is a SENSE.
When a tree falls, it vibrates the air and ground around it. Depending on the frequency of those vibrations, your ear interprets them by forming a standing wave pattern inside the ear. This is the sensation of sound.
If an animal or any other creature is around to do the same, then it would experience the sensation of sound, as well.

Answer 3

even einstein couldn't figure this one out. I left a tape recorder out in my woods for over 2 years and finally one fell. no noise though....strange.

Answer 4

It makes but in fact no one hears .

Answer 5

of course, air waves will get disturbed (making a sound) though there's nobody around.

Answer 6

yeah the animals willl hear the sound!

Answer 7

What purplestick said. Give her 10 points (no, I don't know her).

Answer 8

of course it will make a sound, regardless if anyone is there or not.

Answer 9

Duh. If a tree falls it is going to make a sound, people or no people around.

Answer 10

how do you know that the tree has fallen???