in space/ zero gravity.

[zippybungle]

does zero gravity have influence on sound? would you hear the same? would echoes be lost?

[gen2]

Gravity will not directly affect the transmission of sound, however, sound cannot pass through a vacuum, it needs some substance to transmit it.  If it is to reach a human ear and sound the same as on earth, then that substance must be a gas with a density close to our own atmosphere.

A stable zero-gravity environment will be unable to sustain an atmosphere and hence there will be no way to transmit sound other than through the solid ground and through the body in contact with it.  It would sound very different.

A temporary zero-gravity environment can be created by high flying aircraft going into a parabolic dive.  Occupants of that aircraft will hear sounds normally.

[zippybungle]

very very interesting. thanks gen.

[kempie]

"A stable zero-gravity environment will be unable to sustain an atmosphere"

...unless it is encapsulated. I've never read that cosmonauts who endured long periods of weightlessness couldn't speak to each other.

[MargeB]

You stand face to face on the moon (imagine no visors), your vocal chords vibrate, but no sound comes out of your mouth, and the other person talks to you, but there is total silence.

How weird would that be?