This is an old revision of this page, as edited by TidyCat (talk | contribs) at 05:05, 20 November 2005 (made 'acoustics' its own section, moved out of 'see also'). The present address (URL) is a permanent link to this revision, which may differ significantly from the current revision.
Revision as of 05:05, 20 November 2005 by TidyCat (talk | contribs) (made 'acoustics' its own section, moved out of 'see also')(diff) ← Previous revision | Latest revision (diff) | Newer revision → (diff)A clap is the sound made by striking together two flat surfaces, as in the body parts of humans or animals. Humans clap with the palms of their hands, often in a constant drone to express approval (see applause), but also in rhythm to match sounds in music and dance. Seals are among the animals that clap.
There is a well-known koan that involves, superficially, consideration of the act of clapping: "What is the sound of one hand clapping?"
Clapping is occasionally used as a percussion element in music, particularly in Gospel music. One composition by Steve Reich, Clapping music, is entirely performed by clapping.
Pedagogical applications
Music students often clap the rhythm of written music to help learn the value of different notes and to get accustomed to the rhythm of new pieces.
Acoustics applications
Clapping can be used in acoustics to check the reverberation time of a room. The clap's decay time determines this. Pretty much any sound can be used to do this but a sound of a hand clap delivers a clear frequency and is readily available.
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