Lesson

Sound & Light

Physics vocabulary for sound and light

≈ 15 min 8 block(s)

Text

What is Sound & Light vocabulary?

This lesson introduces common terms related to sound and light used in technical and business contexts. Knowing these words helps you describe equipment, measurements and problems in meetings, reports and technical emails.

  • Focus on nouns (decibel, wavelength), verbs (reflect, absorb) and adjectives (acoustic, luminous).
  • Learn collocations: e.g., 'measure decibels', 'LED lighting', 'sound insulation'.
  • Practice using terms in professional sentences: reports, presentations and maintenance requests.

Table

Sound & Light Vocabulary: Key Terms

Term Part of Speech Definition Example
decibel noun A unit that measures sound intensity. The factory installed monitors to measure noise in decibels.
wavelength noun The distance between two peaks of a wave (light or sound). Engineers analyzed the wavelength to adjust the sensor settings.
reflect verb When light or sound bounces off a surface. The glass wall reflects sunlight into the corridor.
absorb verb To take in energy (sound or light) rather than reflecting it. Acoustic panels absorb excess noise in the open office.
LED noun Light-emitting diode: an efficient lighting technology. The company replaced fluorescent tubes with LED fixtures.
acoustics noun Properties of a room or material that affect sound quality. The conference room's acoustics made the call hard to hear.
spectrum noun The range of different wavelengths in light or frequencies in sound. The sensor displays the audio spectrum of the recorded meeting.
intensity noun The strength or magnitude of light or sound. They increased light intensity to improve video quality.

Tip

How to learn technical sound & light words

Focus on meaning, collocations and real-world use:

  • Pair nouns with verbs: 'measure decibels', 'adjust the wavelength', 'install LED lighting'.
  • Learn units and numbers: decibels (dB), wavelengths (nm), lumens (lm).
  • Use visual aids: diagrams of wave cycles and light spectra help understanding.

Practice terms in short professional sentences rather than isolated lists.

Example

Examples in context

The facilities team measured the ambient noise at 72 decibels during peak hours.

We replaced the fluorescent fixtures with LED lighting to reduce energy costs.

The consultant tested the room acoustics before the international conference.

Engineers adjusted the sensor's wavelength to filter out infrared interference.

Tip

Common mistakes learners make

Watch out for frequent, universal errors when using technical vocabulary:

  • Confusing similar terms (e.g., 'intensity' vs 'amplitude') — check definitions.
  • Using the wrong unit or omitting it (say '72 decibels', not just '72').
  • Incorrect verb collocations (avoid 'make a decibel'); prefer 'measure' or 'record'.
  • Overusing general words like 'loud' — use precise terms in professional contexts.

When in doubt, consult a technical glossary or measurement reference.

Quiz

Choose the correct definition of 'acoustics':

Hint: Think about sound quality in a room.

Quiz

Complete: The technician measured the sound level in _____ during the audit.

Hint: Think about the unit used to measure sound intensity.

Quiz

Which device converts sound into an electrical signal for recording?

Hint: Which device is used to record voices in meetings?

Key Points

Vocabulary

decibel

noun CEFR B2 //ˈdɛsɪbɛl//

A unit used to measure the intensity of sound.

The factory recorded noise levels at 85 decibels.

Vocabulary

wavelength

noun CEFR B2 //ˈweɪvlɛŋkθ//

The distance between repeating units of a wave, such as peaks in light or sound waves.

Technicians adjusted the wavelength to improve sensor accuracy.

Vocabulary

LED

noun CEFR B1 //ˌɛl iː ˈdiː//

Light-emitting diode: a semiconductor light source used for efficient lighting.

The office switched to LED bulbs last year to cut costs.

Vocabulary

acoustics

noun CEFR B2 //əˈkuːstɪks//

The properties or qualities of a room or material that determine how sound is transmitted and heard.

Good acoustics are essential for conference rooms used for video calls.

Vocabulary

reflect

verb CEFR B1 //rɪˈflɛkt//

To bounce back light or sound from a surface.

Bright walls reflect more light into workspaces.

Vocabulary

absorb

verb CEFR B2 //əbˈzɔːrb//

To take in or soak up energy such as light or sound.

Acoustic tiles absorb sound and reduce echo.

Vocabulary

spectrum

noun CEFR B2 //ˈspɛktrəm//

A range of wavelengths or frequencies, for example of light or sound.

The technician reviewed the audio spectrum to identify interference.