What term refers to the ability of a surface to absorb sound?

The term that refers to the ability of a surface to absorb sound is absorption. When sound waves encounter a surface, how the surface interacts with those waves depends on its material properties. Absorption occurs when the sound energy is taken in by the material rather than being reflected or transmitted.

Materials that are designed to absorb sound, such as acoustic panels, carpets, or heavy drapes, convert sound energy into a small amount of heat through friction within the material. This characteristic is crucial in environments where controlling sound quality is important, such as theaters, recording studios, and concert halls. By understanding sound absorption, theatre practitioners can create spaces that enhance auditory experiences for the audience and performers alike.

Reflection and transmission are different concepts related to how sound waves travel. Reflection pertains to sound bouncing off a surface, while transmission involves sound passing through a material. Dissipation typically refers to the gradual loss of sound energy, which is relevant but does not specifically denote the ability of a surface to absorb sound directly.