Candlelit Stone Nave: Reverb, Light and Shadow Quest |…

What is Reverb?

Reverb, or reverberation, is the persistence of sound after a source has stopped. It occurs when sound waves reflect off surfaces like walls, floors, and ceilings, creating an echo effect that gradually fades away.

In the simulation, you can measure T60, which is the time it takes for the reverberant sound to decay by 60 decibels.

Light Intensity and Inverse Square Law

The intensity of light decreases with distance from its source according to the inverse square law. This means that if you double the distance between a light source and an object, the light intensity at that object will be reduced by a factor of four.

In the simulation, you can observe how candlelight fades as 1/d², demonstrating this principle directly.

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Stained Glass and Light Absorption

Stained glass selectively absorbs certain wavelengths of light while allowing others to pass through. This selective absorption is what gives stained glass its characteristic colors.

In the simulation, you can see how different colored stained glass filters moonlight, altering its appearance in the nave.

Acoustic and Optical Phenomena

Both acoustic and optical phenomena are governed by similar principles of wave propagation. In the case of sound, waves reflect off surfaces creating reverberation; for light, reflection and absorption determine how much light reaches a given point.

Understanding these principles helps in designing spaces with optimal acoustics and lighting, as demonstrated in this interactive quest.

Frequently asked questions

How does the inverse square law apply to light intensity?

The inverse square law states that the intensity of light is inversely proportional to the square of the distance from the source. This means if you move twice as far away, the light intensity will be reduced by a factor of four.

What does T60 measure in room acoustics?

T60 is a measure of how long it takes for sound to decay by 60 decibels after the source has stopped. It helps in understanding the reverberation time and quality of a space.

Why does stained glass filter light differently?

Stained glass filters light due to its chemical composition, which absorbs certain wavelengths more than others, resulting in the characteristic colors we see.

How can understanding these principles help in real-world applications?

Understanding reverb and light intensity helps in designing concert halls, recording studios, and buildings with optimal acoustics and lighting. It also aids in creating visually appealing spaces like churches and museums.

Try it live

Everything above runs in your browser — open Candlelit Stone Nave: Reverb, Light and Shadow Quest and change the parameters while it is running. Nothing is installed, nothing is uploaded, the whole model lives in one tab.

▶ Open Candlelit Stone Nave: Reverb, Light and Shadow Quest simulation