The field of acoustics is primarily concerned with the reflections of sound.
Reflected sound reveals the size and materials within a space. Changing the size or materials will alter the quality and amount of reflections.
Direct sound is the original sound
Early Reflections are the first reflections you hear after the direct signal.
The diffuse field is where the reflected sound is higher in level than the direct sound.
The near field is where the direct sound is the louder.
Sound bounces off reflective surfaces in the same behaviour as light – and follows the law “angle of incidence equals angle of reflection”
Reflected waves can interfere with incident waves, producing constructive and destructive interference which can result in standing waves