Sympathetic Resonance: The Science Behind Frightening Sounds
In Sympathetic Resonance: The Science Behind Frightening Sounds, host Harith Iskander explores why certain sounds in scary movies can make us feel uneasy. The concept of sympathetic resonance explains that objects vibrate in response to specific frequencies, meaning that when two objects with similar resonant frequencies are close, one can absorb the vibration of the other and begin to vibrate back. This effect creates sounds that can feel haunting or unsettling to the human ear. This video is excerpted from BBC’s Got Science?, a science magazine series that explores and explains science in everyday life.
Lesson Express
Q: What is sympathetic resonance and how does it relate to sound?
A: Sympathetic resonance occurs when an object vibrates in response to the frequency of another nearby object, which can result in eerie sounds.
Q: Why are sounds created by sympathetic resonance often used in horror films?
A: These sounds can feel unsettling or unnatural, which makes them ideal for creating suspense and fear.
Q: How can sympathetic resonance affect how we experience sound in different environments?
A: In places with many objects of similar frequencies, like a haunted house set, sympathetic resonance can amplify certain sounds, making the environment feel even more unnerving.