If a tree falls down and no one is around...will it make a sound?

Question

Is this possible to answer and what do you think?

Answer 1

Well, all the laws of the universe seem to say that, yes it does. But there is really no way to know. Maybe if we trained a beaver to talk, then had it cut down a tree in a deserted forest, we could find out?

Answer 2

Trees dont just fall.

Butttt - the real answer is yes, you just cant hear it. Sound waves only go a certain length and they do not reach the human ears if they are not near the tree.

Answer 3

I really wish people would stop asking this question... And i think it does. Put a tape recorder in the woods. When the tree falls and nobody is around. It will make noise. My proof. The tape recording

Answer 4

Yes basic physics teaches us that you cannot create or destroy energy you can only change its form. Therefore just like there is a loud noise when two cars hit - the energy has been changed into sound waves - there is a sound when the tree hits the ground. Pax - C

Answer 5

well..from the scientific point of view, it still makes a sound and we can verify this with quite a number of apparatus other than our ears. Air around the tree is still rarefied and compressed at a specific frequency (or range of frequencies) and amplitude unique to the falling tree.

hope this helps=)

Answer 6

Of course it makes a sound.
Just because no one is around to witness it doesn't make its sound impossible. The ability to sound is independent from the presence of the listener.

To think otherwise is a classic fallacy of human belief of self-importance, commonly called The Ego.
John Lucas

Answer 7

sound–noun
1. the sensation produced by stimulation of the organs of hearing by vibrations transmitted through the air or other medium.
2. mechanical vibrations transmitted through an elastic medium, traveling in air at a speed of approximately 1087 ft. (331 m) per second at sea level.
3. the particular auditory effect produced by a given cause: the sound of music.
4. any auditory effect; any audible vibrational disturbance: all kinds of sounds.
5. a noise, vocal utterance, musical tone, or the like: the sounds from the next room.
6. a distinctive, characteristic, or recognizable musical style, as from a particular performer, orchestra, or type of arrangement: the big-band sound.
7. Phonetics. a. speech sound.
b. the audible result of an utterance or portion of an utterance: the s-sound in “slight”; the sound of m in “mere.”

8. the auditory effect of sound waves as transmitted or recorded by a particular system of sound reproduction: the sound of a stereophonic recording.
9. the quality of an event, letter, etc., as it affects a person: This report has a bad sound.
10. the distance within which the noise of something may be heard.
11. mere noise, without meaning: all sound and fury.
12. Archaic. a report or rumor; news; tidings.
–verb (used without object) 13. to make or emit a sound.
14. to give forth a sound as a call or summons: The bugle sounded as the troops advanced.
15. to be heard, as a sound.
16. to convey a certain impression when heard or read: to sound strange.
17. to give a specific sound: to sound loud.
18. to give the appearance of being; seem: The report sounds true.
19. Law. to have as its basis or foundation (usually fol. by in): His action sounds in contract.
–verb (used with object) 20. to cause to make or emit a sound: to sound a bell.
21. to give forth (a sound): The oboe sounded an A.
22. to announce, order, or direct by or as by a sound: The bugle sounded retreat. His speech sounded a warning to aggressor nations.
23. to utter audibly, pronounce, or express: to sound each letter.
24. to examine by percussion or auscultation: to sound a patient's chest.
—Verb phrase25. sound off, Informal. a. to call out one's name, as at military roll call.
b. to speak freely or frankly, esp. to complain in such a manner.
c. to exaggerate; boast: Has he been sounding off about his golf game again?

It depends if you're more of a scientist or a musician. Yes and no respectively.

Answer 8

It will not make a sound. It will give off vibrations, but it does not become a sound until it reaches someone's ear.

Answer 9

No it does not, why do you want to know did all the other trees complain?

Answer 10

No, the laws of physics cease from hearing questions like this.......