Why a duck's quack doesn't echo

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In summary, the fact that a duck's quack doesn't echo is a myth. According to Snopes.com and an acoustic professional featured on Mythbusters, there is no scientific explanation for this phenomenon. It is believed to be due to the physical basis of quantum superposition, but the exact reason remains unknown.
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tino lin
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A duck's quack doesn't echo, and no one knows why.

Can physics explain this fact and how?
 
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  • #3
I agree. This is a myth. The link provided by robphy says it all.
 
  • #4
If a quacking duck were to emit a single acoustic phonon, it may reflect off of
a wall or it may get abosrbed by the wall. And no one knows why since no one
knows the physical basis of quantum superposition.

So parts of a duck's quack somtimes make an echo- and no one does know why!
 
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  • #5
As much as I am not a fan of the show, but Mythbusters had a segment on this as well. They had an accoustic pro come in with a spectrum analyzer and looked at the quakck in various scenarios. Their pro came to the same conclusion as the referenced article from Snopes.
 

FAQ: Why a duck's quack doesn't echo

Why do ducks quack?

Ducks quack as a form of communication, usually to attract mates or to warn other ducks of danger. Male ducks also use quacking to establish dominance.

Why doesn't a duck's quack echo?

Contrary to popular belief, a duck's quack does actually echo. The reason it may not be as noticeable is because the quack is usually at a low frequency and the echo is not as distinct as higher frequency sounds.

Can ducks hear their own quack?

Yes, ducks are able to hear their own quack. They have excellent hearing and rely on their quacks to communicate with other ducks.

Do all duck species quack?

No, not all ducks quack. Some species, such as the male mallard, have a characteristic quack, while others, like the female mallard, have a more raspy call. Some duck species, like the mute swan, do not quack at all.

Is the myth about a duck's quack not echoing true?

No, the myth about a duck's quack not echoing is not true. As mentioned before, a duck's quack does echo, but it may not be as distinct as other higher frequency sounds.

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