About White Noise

White noise is a term used for sounds with flat spectral densities. These sounds do not emit a specific noise, but are a combination of all sounds put together (which create the flat white noise structure). White noise often acts as a noise blocker, and is commonly used in working environments, interrogative situations and during sleep exercises to filter out excess noise. The term "white noise" was coined because of the spectral color of all the different tones combined is white.

Identification

White noise refers to a type of random noise in which a combination of all possible tones create a single sound which has a flat spectral density. Since white noise is randomly created, there are several mathematical theories that attempt to analyze the source and potential of random vectors. In advanced mathematics, white noise functions can be used to produce random numbers.

Function

There are several practical functions of white noise, most of which take advantage of its noise-canceling properties. For instance, workplaces utilize white-noise speakers to help quiet large office spaces and increase productivity. White noise is also used in interrogative situations to help focus the person who is being interrogated and clear his mind of any interfering thoughts. White noise recordings are also sold in high volume and act as affordable and practical sleep and mind-clearing aides.

Effects

White noise can have several effects. For most, white noise has a very calming effect that allows them to filter out unwanted noise. In rare cases, white noise can also be used at various intervals to disorient people, and can be used maliciously to impair hearing capabilities. However, these ill-effects are generally short-lived, and regular listening will not cause any sensory deprivation.

Theories/Speculation

There are several theories as to the possibility of infinite-bandwidth white noise. Because white noise is defined in a very broad sense as being a mixture of all tones, in theory its sound would be infinite. However, white noise as it is known today does not have such a property and cannot exist in this way. There has been some research done on whether white noise can ever truly be realized with an infinite form, but not much literature is dedicated to the subject.

Misconceptions

Because of several Hollywood movies, some people believe it is possible to receive various coded radio messages through white noise. However, because white noise is a mixture of all tones, it is impossible to pull out a single tone with any message.

Resources

• What Is White Noise?