The Everyday Physics of Hearing and Vision

Humans receive the vast majority of sensory perception through the eyes and ears. This non-technical book examines the everyday physics behind hearing and vision to help readers understand more about themselves and their physical environment. It begins with a thorough discussion of sound and light waves then goes on to discuss how our eyes and ears gather and process information from those waves. The ears and eyes are examined in their physical form in humans as well as in other members of the animal kingdom to show differences in how each receive information from the same waves and how hearing and vision may have evolved in humans. The book also discusses the perception of sound by examples such as sound intensity, decibels, and masking, while also covering the basis of music and resonance. Vision and the perception of light and color are also discussed at length including the psychology of color perception and color mixing. This is an introductory text recommended for undergraduate students and for those wanting an overview of the subject area.