Singing in the Shower

Most people seem to feel that when they sing in the shower their voices are richer and fuller.  Is this true and if so, why?

• A. Yes, the small space of the shower reflects the sound waves causing a prolongation of both the high and low frequency waves, and causing the song to sound richer and fuller..
• B. No, there is no real effect.  The running water simply muffles the sound somewhat making you think it sounds richer..
• C. Yes, it is the effect of the water.  Sounds reflects of the small droplets, basically surrounding the singer with constant reflected sound waves, causing the song to sound richer and fuller.
• D. I never shower, only take baths, so how would I know?

See if you picked correctly.

Answer

Singing In The Shower - Answer = A

The answer is A.  If you sing in a large open area, you basically only hear your voice as it is produced.  In the small area of the shower, you are also receiving reflected sound waves a very short time after you produced them.  This in effect prolongs the sounds causing a richer and fuller song. (Some information taken from Flying Circus of Physics by Jearl Walker)

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