if a tree falls in a forest and no one is around tohear it does it make a sound?

Answer 1

If sound is defined as the production and propagation of of a form of energy through the vibrations of the molecules in the air in the immediate vicitnity of the fallen tree, then yes, it would make a sound even if no one hears it.
But otherwise, No.

Or some quantum physix/metaphysix mumbo-jumbo like that!

Why did your question remind me of the book 'In Search of Schroedinger's Cat'??

Answer 2

As an analogy of quantum physics, it would exist in a superposition of states until one observes the event at which point an outcome would be chosen and the wave function would collapse.
In actuality, the many variables in the vicinity would act like "observers" (i.e., light, air, other particles making up the tree) and a determinate outcome would be yielded. So yes, the tree would fall causing vibrations of air and thus producing sound. Try placing a tape recorder and microphone in the area and then leave. Come back and you will hear a recording that sounds like this: ***CRRRRRRAAAAASSSSSHHHHHHHHHH!!!!***

Answer 3

unfortunately, you haven't gotten a good answer yet. the answer, in physics, is niether yes nor is it no. it's actually both. There's an explanation for this.

Sound actually has TWO definitions. The first is that sound is the disturbance travelling through a medium caused by vibration. under this definition, the tree falling in the woods does make a sound. the SECOND definition of sound is the audible perception of a disturbance travelling through a medium. under this definition, since no one is around to percieve the wave caused by the tree falling, the tree makes no sound.

Answer 4

Use a chainsaw to partially sever the trunk. Place sufficient TNT to finish the job and position your sound -activated recording device on a neighbouring tree. Then set the timer on the explosive charge and leave the area immediately,ensuring that you are out of earshot of both the blast and the sound of the tree hitting the forest floor. When it is safe to do so,return to the site of the experiment and play the recording. Both the blast and the sound of the tree falling should be audible... if they made a sound.

Answer 5

You have all missed a fairly subtle point about the 'Copenhagen Interpretation' of Quantum Mechanics.

It isn't the act of 'making an observation' (which requires an observer) that causes the wave function to collapse. It's the act of *extracting* *information* from the wave function which creates an instability and forces the function to collapse to one of it's eigenstates. And that is done by a recording device just the same as by a human observer.

The real answer to the seeming paradox is, of course, "What means 'make a sound'?" (As a few people pointed out)


Doug

Answer 6

that would be yes

Humans perceive sound by the sense of hearing. By sound, we commonly mean the vibrations that travel through air and can be heard by humans. However, scientists and engineers use a wider definition of sound that includes low and high frequency vibrations in air that cannot be heard by humans, and vibrations that travel through all forms of matter, gases, liquids and solids. The matter that supports the sound is called the medium. Sound propagates as waves of alternating pressure, causing local regions of compression and rarefaction. Particles in the medium are displaced by the wave and oscillate. The scientific study of sound is called acoustics

Answer 7

Hi. Yes. Sound is a vibration in the air. The vibration happens even if no ears are around.

Answer 8

Yes, because if someone was around who was deaf, they would still feel the vibration caused by the sound when it hits the ground, but actually if no body is around, there would not be sound because without hearing ability, sound does not exist.

Answer 9

I love this question but the way i ask it is like this "if a bear takes a dump in the woods and no one is there to smell it, does it still stink" of course yours is more family oriented lol.

Answer 10

Sound is the vibration in the air, not the fact that somebody can hear it, so yes of course it makes a sound.
The real question is; how can you prove it.