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350 :. Scientific Contents in Prākṛta Canons
valent. The physicists have distinguished them even mathematically. The intensity is defined as the amount of energy transferred to the medium per unit area by moving waves, or I = ev (e = energy density; v = sound velocity)
In contrast, the loudness, L, of sound is a feeling depending upon the sensitivity of the ear. Thus, while intensity is a measurable quality, loudness is not. However, a relationship between the two has been developed as
L = K log |
suggesting that doubling the intensity does not lead to doubling the loudness.
Besides, the scientists have added two more qualities to sound pitch and timbre or quality. Pitch measures the sharpness or flatness of sound and dependant upon the frequency of waves independent of intensity. The quality called timbre measures the purity of and overtones in sounds. These qualities are meant for distinction and identification of different sounds. They do not find mention in canons. Per chance, the intensity term of canons covers both these qualities in their wider sense.
The numericality and receptaclity of sounds is a common experience without any dispute. The first one relates to the number of sounds varying between one to innumerable in comparison to Mimāmsakas one sound. The quality of substrateness for concussion etc. may be taken as superimposition of quality of medium causing strikes and counterstrikes.
The scientists have not only agreed to sound motion, but also have characterised it by simple harmonic motion as in pendulum of clocks for which they have developed sound mathematics.
(e) Classification of Sounds
Different classifications of sound by Jainas have already been given earlier. It seems that this is sufficiently advanced over the Vaiseṣikas who have only non-detailed two-fold one
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