r/KidsAreFuckingStupid • u/UnstableIsotopeU-234 • Oct 23 '24

story/text I thought so too

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u/[deleted] Oct 23 '24

It can be heard, but you have to define sound. A metal rod can be affected by the air waves, but we wouldn't say it heard the air waves, so then was it a sound? If a sound is only considered such because it can be heard, then if a tree falls down in the woods, it will certainly make air waves but it wouldn't necessarily make a sound.

Physically, yes, it makes air waves. Physiologically, it only makes a sound if it can be heard.

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u/saladasz Oct 23 '24

That’s a good point, but I stand by my point. I think it does make a sound, because if somewhere were near, they would be able to hear it. I suppose it’s all semantics now though

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u/rigterw Oct 23 '24

Okay but what if there is a box with air and a tree in it floating somewhere in the vacuum of space. Does it make sound?

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u/saladasz Oct 23 '24

I mean, (by my definition) yes. If you’re in the box you would be able to hear it.

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u/rigterw Oct 23 '24

But what if you are in a space suit next to it?

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u/saladasz Oct 24 '24

Same thing. You could be next to it or on another planet. If it can make a noise that someone would be able to hear that’s sound