Sound Wave Properties And Characteristics! Trivia Quiz
Sound is a vibration, and it was Leonardo da Vinci who was credited for learning that music usually moves in waves. In this quiz, you will get to learn just how much you know about sound wave properties and characteristics. Do you have enough to tackle it? Give it a shot and get to see how much you might learn on sound waves.
Questions and Answers
- 1.
How and why the brain interprets sound?
- A.
Psychoacoustics
- B.
Sound pressure waves
- C.
Refraction
- D.
Phase
- E.
Hertz
Correct Answer
A. PsychoacousticsExplanation
Psychoacoustics is the study of how the brain interprets sound. It explores the psychological and physiological processes involved in the perception of sound, including how the brain processes different frequencies, amplitudes, and spatial cues. By studying psychoacoustics, researchers aim to understand why certain sounds are perceived differently and how the brain makes sense of auditory information. This field of study helps explain the subjective experience of sound perception and contributes to the development of technologies like surround sound systems and noise-canceling headphones.Rate this question:
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- 2.
Atmospheric pressure is called?
- A.
Psychoacoustics
- B.
Sound pressure waves
- C.
Refraction
- D.
Phase
- E.
Hertz
Correct Answer
B. Sound pressure wavesExplanation
Atmospheric pressure is not called psychoacoustics, refraction, phase, or Hertz. It is called sound pressure waves because atmospheric pressure is the force exerted by the atmosphere on a given area and it can create sound waves when it fluctuates. Sound pressure waves refer to the variations in air pressure caused by sound waves traveling through the atmosphere.Rate this question:
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- 3.
When dealing with sound waves, compression is?
- A.
Greater than normal atmospheric pressure.
- B.
Less than normal atmospheric pressure.
- C.
Pushing against lower pressure waves. ( in and outward direction)
- D.
Pushing against higher pressure waves. ( out and inward direction)
Correct Answer
A. Greater than normal atmospheric pressure.Explanation
Compression refers to the region of a sound wave where the particles are pushed together, resulting in a higher pressure than the surrounding atmospheric pressure. This occurs as the sound wave travels through a medium, causing the particles to compress and create areas of increased pressure. Therefore, when dealing with sound waves, compression is greater than normal atmospheric pressure.Rate this question:
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- 4.
When dealing with sound waves, Rarefaction is?
- A.
Greater than normal atmospheric pressure.
- B.
Less than normal atmospheric pressure.
- C.
Pushing against lower pressure waves. ( in and outward direction)
- D.
Pushing against higher pressure waves. ( out and inward direction)
Correct Answer
B. Less than normal atmospheric pressure.Explanation
Rarefaction is the opposite of compression in a sound wave. It refers to the region where the air particles are spread out and have lower density compared to the surrounding air. This results in a decrease in pressure, causing the rarefaction to be less than normal atmospheric pressure.Rate this question:
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- 5.
When dealing with sound waves, wave propagation is?
- A.
Greater than normal atmospheric pressure.
- B.
Less than normal atmospheric pressure.
- C.
Pushing against lower pressure waves. ( in and outward direction)
- D.
Pushing against higher pressure waves. ( out and inward direction)
Correct Answer
C. Pushing against lower pressure waves. ( in and outward direction)Explanation
When dealing with sound waves, wave propagation involves the movement of the waves in both inward and outward directions, pushing against lower pressure waves. This means that the sound waves create areas of lower pressure as they propagate, causing the surrounding air molecules to move away from each other. This movement creates a rarefaction, or a region of lower pressure, which is then followed by a compression, or a region of higher pressure. Therefore, the correct answer is pushing against lower pressure waves.Rate this question:
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- 6.
Huber describes a waveform as, essentially ________.
- A.
The graphic representation of a signal's sound pressure level as it moves over time.
- B.
The graphic representation of a signal's sound pressure level.
- C.
Air
- D.
Sound
Correct Answer
A. The graphic representation of a signal's sound pressure level as it moves over time.Explanation
Huber describes a waveform as the graphic representation of a signal's sound pressure level as it moves over time. This means that a waveform visually represents the changes in sound pressure level of a signal over a period of time. It provides a visual representation of the fluctuations in air pressure that create sound.Rate this question:
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- 7.
Simply described, amplitude is _______?
- A.
Pitch
- B.
Loudness
- C.
Velocity
- D.
Wavelength
Correct Answer
B. LoudnessExplanation
Amplitude refers to the maximum displacement or distance from the equilibrium position in a wave. In the context of sound waves, amplitude is directly related to the perception of loudness. A higher amplitude corresponds to a louder sound, while a lower amplitude corresponds to a softer sound. Therefore, the correct answer is "Loudness."Rate this question:
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- 8.
The measurement between the maximum and minimum positive and negative signal levels of a wave is called ________?
- A.
RMS
- B.
Peak to peak value
- C.
Peak amplitude
- D.
Hertz
Correct Answer
C. Peak amplitudeExplanation
The measurement between the maximum and minimum positive and negative signal levels of a wave is called the peak amplitude. This refers to the highest point and lowest point of the wave, representing the maximum and minimum values respectively. The peak amplitude provides information about the strength or intensity of the wave, allowing for analysis and comparison of different waveforms.Rate this question:
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- 9.
The difference between positive and negative peak signal levels is called ____?
- A.
RMS
- B.
Peak to peak value
- C.
Peak amplitude
- D.
Hertz
Correct Answer
B. Peak to peak valueExplanation
The difference between positive and negative peak signal levels is referred to as the peak to peak value. This value represents the total range of the signal, from its highest positive peak to its lowest negative peak. It is a measure of the amplitude of the signal and is commonly used in signal analysis and communication systems.Rate this question:
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- 10.
RMS stands for _____?
- A.
Read more sound
- B.
Peak amplitude
- C.
Hertz
- D.
Root Mean Squared
Correct Answer
D. Root Mean SquaredExplanation
RMS stands for Root Mean Squared. It is a mathematical calculation used to find the average value of a set of values, specifically in the context of sound or electrical signals. The Root Mean Squared value represents the square root of the average of the squared values in a waveform. It is commonly used to measure the amplitude or intensity of a signal, providing a more accurate representation of its overall power.Rate this question:
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- 11.
RMS determines _____?
- A.
The root mean squared
- B.
Really musical songs
- C.
The meaningful average level of a waveform over time.
- D.
The meaningful maximum level over time
Correct Answer
C. The meaningful average level of a waveform over time.Explanation
RMS determines the meaningful average level of a waveform over time. This is calculated by taking the square root of the mean of the squares of the instantaneous values of the waveform. It is commonly used in audio engineering to measure the average power or amplitude of a signal.Rate this question:
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- 12.
Hertz is the term used to measure _______?
- A.
Velocity
- B.
Frequency
- C.
Pain
- D.
Volume
Correct Answer
B. FrequencyExplanation
Hertz is the term used to measure frequency. Frequency refers to the number of occurrences of a repeating event per unit of time. In the context of sound or waves, it represents the number of vibrations or cycles that occur in one second. Hertz is commonly used to measure the frequency of electromagnetic waves, electrical signals, and various other periodic phenomena.Rate this question:
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- 13.
Sound moves in ________ degrees.
- A.
120
- B.
560
- C.
360
- D.
90
Correct Answer
C. 360Explanation
Sound moves in all directions, which means it can travel in a full circle around its source. Therefore, the correct answer is 360 degrees.Rate this question:
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- 14.
The more cycles per second the _______ the pitch.
- A.
Lower
- B.
Higher
- C.
Darker
- D.
Softer
Correct Answer
B. HigherExplanation
The pitch of a sound refers to how high or low it sounds. In terms of frequency, the more cycles per second (or hertz) a sound wave has, the higher the pitch will be. Therefore, the correct answer is "higher".Rate this question:
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- 15.
Velocity measures?
- A.
Velos
- B.
Pitch
- C.
The speed of sound
- D.
Amplitude
Correct Answer
C. The speed of soundExplanation
Velocity measures the speed at which an object or wave is moving in a particular direction. In the given options, "the speed of sound" is the only one that directly relates to measuring velocity. The speed of sound refers to how fast sound waves travel through a medium, such as air or water. Therefore, it is the correct answer in this context.Rate this question:
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- 16.
What is the speed of sound at 68 degrees F?
- A.
1521 fps
- B.
948 fps
- C.
1130 fps
- D.
3011 fps
Correct Answer
C. 1130 fpsExplanation
The speed of sound in air is affected by temperature. As the temperature increases, the speed of sound also increases. At 68 degrees F, the speed of sound is approximately 1130 fps.Rate this question:
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- 17.
Sound reflects ________.
- A.
Off a surface boundary and all over the place
- B.
Off a surface boundary at an angle that's equal to its initial angle of incidence
- C.
Off a surface boundary at an angle that's opposite to its initial angle of incidence
- D.
Off a surface boundary at an angle that's random to its initial angle of incidence
Correct Answer
B. Off a surface boundary at an angle that's equal to its initial angle of incidenceExplanation
When sound waves encounter a surface boundary, they reflect off the surface. The angle at which the sound waves reflect is equal to the angle at which they initially hit the surface, known as the angle of incidence. This is known as the law of reflection. Therefore, the correct answer is that sound reflects off a surface boundary at an angle that's equal to its initial angle of incidence.Rate this question:
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- 18.
The range of human hearing is ________?
- A.
20 fps to 20 rms
- B.
20 Hz to 20 MHz
- C.
20 cycles to 20 vls
- D.
10 HZ to 20000 Hz
Correct Answer
B. 20 Hz to 20 MHzExplanation
The range of human hearing refers to the frequencies that can be detected by the human ear. The correct answer, 20 Hz to 20 MHz, represents the typical range of frequencies that humans can hear. Frequencies below 20 Hz are known as infrasound, while frequencies above 20,000 Hz are called ultrasound.Rate this question:
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- 19.
When 2 identical wavesforms are out phase what happens?
- A.
Nothing changes
- B.
The sound gets louder
- C.
The sound cancels each other out
- D.
The sound gets softer
Correct Answer
C. The sound cancels each other outExplanation
When two identical waveforms are out of phase, it means that they are exactly opposite to each other. This causes destructive interference, where the peaks of one waveform align with the troughs of the other, resulting in cancellation of the sound. As a result, the sound gets canceled out and becomes quieter or completely disappears.Rate this question:
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- 20.
When 2 identical wavesforms are in phase what happens?
- A.
The sound gets louder
- B.
The sound gets softer
- C.
The sound cancels each other out
- D.
The sound doubles in amplitude
Correct Answer
D. The sound doubles in amplitudeExplanation
When 2 identical waveforms are in phase, they align perfectly and reinforce each other. This results in constructive interference, causing the sound waves to combine and increase in amplitude. As a result, the sound becomes louder.Rate this question:
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- 21.
_________ occurs when one waveform has lead or lag time with respect to another.
- A.
Faser
- B.
Amplitude
- C.
Phase shift
- D.
Frequency
Correct Answer
C. Phase shiftExplanation
Phase shift occurs when one waveform has lead or lag time with respect to another. It refers to the displacement or shift in the position of a waveform in relation to another waveform. This shift can be measured in degrees and represents the delay or advancement of one waveform compared to the other.Rate this question:
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- 22.
440Hz refers to what pitch?
- A.
A
- B.
B
- C.
C
- D.
D
Correct Answer
A. AExplanation
440Hz refers to the pitch of the note A. In music, pitch is a measure of how high or low a sound is. The pitch of a note is determined by its frequency, which is measured in Hertz (Hz). A pitch of 440Hz means that the sound wave of the note A vibrates at a frequency of 440 cycles per second. This standard pitch is commonly used as a reference point for tuning musical instruments.Rate this question:
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- 23.
Which of the following is the simplest waveform?
- A.
Square
- B.
Sawtooth
- C.
Sine
- D.
Triangle
- E.
Beauty Queen
Correct Answer
C. SineExplanation
The sine waveform is the simplest waveform because it represents a smooth oscillation with a single frequency and no harmonics. It is a fundamental waveform that is commonly found in nature and is used as a reference for many other waveforms. The other waveforms listed, such as square, sawtooth, and triangle, are more complex and contain additional harmonics and irregularities in their shape. The option "Beauty Queen" is not a waveform and is unrelated to the question.Rate this question:
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- 24.
The word used to describe color of sound.
- A.
Green
- B.
Timbre
- C.
Harmonic
- D.
Tooth decay
- E.
Envelope
Correct Answer
B. TimbreExplanation
Timbre is the correct answer because it refers to the quality or color of sound. It helps distinguish different musical instruments or voices even when they are playing the same pitch. Timbre is influenced by various factors such as harmonics, attack, decay, and envelope. The word "green" is unrelated to the color of sound, while "harmonic" refers to the overtones in a sound and "tooth decay" is a dental issue.Rate this question:
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- 25.
Every instrument produces a unique _______ that works in combination with its timbre to determine its subjective sound.
- A.
Harmony
- B.
Pitch
- C.
Amplitude
- D.
Envelope
Correct Answer
D. EnvelopeExplanation
The correct answer is "envelope." In music, the envelope refers to the shape of a sound wave over time, including its attack, sustain, decay, and release. It is a crucial component in determining the overall quality and character of a sound produced by an instrument. The envelope works in combination with the timbre of the instrument to create the subjective sound that we perceive.Rate this question:
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- 26.
Which of the following in NOT part of a waveform?
- A.
Attack
- B.
Decay
- C.
Sustain
- D.
Release
- E.
Finish
Correct Answer
E. FinishExplanation
The term "finish" is not part of a waveform. In audio synthesis, a waveform typically consists of an attack phase, decay phase, sustain phase, and release phase. These phases describe how a sound evolves over time, from its initial onset to its eventual fade-out. However, "finish" does not describe any characteristic or phase of a waveform.Rate this question:
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- 27.
ADSR stands for?
- A.
Audio, Decay, Sustain, Release
- B.
Attack, Decay, Scales, Reverb
- C.
Add, Divide, Subtract, Retract
- D.
Attack, Decay, Sustain, Release
Correct Answer
D. Attack, Decay, Sustain, ReleaseExplanation
ADSR stands for Attack, Decay, Sustain, Release. This acronym is commonly used in music production and sound synthesis to describe the four stages of a sound envelope. The attack phase refers to the initial buildup of sound, the decay phase is the decrease in volume after the attack, the sustain phase is the level at which the sound is held, and the release phase is the gradual decrease in volume after the sound is released. This acronym is essential in understanding and manipulating the characteristics of a sound.Rate this question:
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- 28.
DB stands for?
- A.
Dumbell
- B.
Decibel
- C.
Double
- D.
Double Bubble
Correct Answer
B. DecibelExplanation
dB stands for Decibel, which is a unit used to measure the intensity or loudness of sound. It is commonly used in audio and acoustics to quantify the level of sound pressure or power. The other options, dumbell, double, and double bubble, do not have any relevance to the measurement of sound intensity and are not commonly associated with the abbreviation dB.Rate this question:
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- 29.
A decibel is used for measuring SPL, signal level and relative changes in signal level.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
A decibel is a unit of measurement used to quantify the intensity or level of sound. It is commonly used in the field of audio engineering and telecommunications to measure sound pressure levels (SPL), signal levels, and relative changes in signal level. Therefore, the statement that a decibel is used for measuring SPL, signal level, and relative changes in signal level is true.Rate this question:
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- 30.
SPL stands for ________?
- A.
Signal Pressure Level
- B.
Sound Positive Level
- C.
Sound Pressure Level
- D.
Simple Pressure Level
Correct Answer
C. Sound Pressure LevelExplanation
SPL stands for Sound Pressure Level. It is a measurement used to quantify the intensity or loudness of sound. Sound pressure level is expressed in decibels (dB) and is often used in the field of acoustics to compare sound levels and determine the potential impact on human hearing.Rate this question:
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- 31.
If you were standing 50 feet from a 140db sound you could ______
- A.
Sleep
- B.
Damage your ears
- C.
Have a nice quiet dinner with a date
- D.
Be in the threshold of pain
Correct Answer(s)
B. Damage your ears
D. Be in the threshold of painExplanation
If you were standing 50 feet from a 140db sound, it would be extremely loud and potentially harmful to your ears. Exposure to sounds above 85db for a prolonged period can cause damage to the delicate structures of the inner ear. At 140db, the sound would be well above the safe threshold and could lead to permanent hearing loss or other ear-related problems. Additionally, being in the threshold of pain suggests that the sound would be so intense that it would cause discomfort or even physical pain.Rate this question:
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- 32.
The minimum detectable change in dB is ____?
- A.
1dB
- B.
2dB
- C.
3dB
- D.
4dB
Correct Answer
C. 3dBExplanation
The minimum detectable change in dB is 3dB. This means that any change in sound level below 3dB will not be noticeable or detectable to the human ear. A change of 3dB is considered the smallest noticeable difference in sound level.Rate this question:
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- 33.
The pinna is _____
- A.
Inside your ear
- B.
Outside your ear
- C.
Your eardrum
- D.
In the middle of your ear
Correct Answer
B. Outside your earExplanation
The pinna is the visible part of the ear that is located outside the ear. It is the cartilaginous structure that helps to collect and direct sound waves into the ear canal. The pinna plays a crucial role in capturing sound and funneling it towards the ear canal, where it can then travel to the eardrum and other parts of the ear for processing.Rate this question:
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- 34.
What part of the ear acts as a sound collector?
- A.
Outer ear
- B.
Eardrum
- C.
Cochlea
- D.
Pinna
Correct Answer
D. PinnaExplanation
The pinna, also known as the outer ear, acts as a sound collector. It is the visible part of the ear that is responsible for capturing sound waves and directing them into the ear canal. The unique shape and structure of the pinna help to amplify and funnel sound towards the eardrum, where the sound is then transmitted to the inner ear for processing.Rate this question:
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- 35.
The tubular, snail like organ that contains two fluid- filled chambers.
- A.
Pinna
- B.
Eardrum
- C.
Bobca
- D.
Cochlea
Correct Answer
D. CochleaExplanation
The cochlea is a tubular, snail-like organ in the inner ear that contains two fluid-filled chambers. It is responsible for converting sound vibrations into electrical signals that can be interpreted by the brain. The cochlea plays a crucial role in the process of hearing, as it is where the sensory cells that detect sound are located.Rate this question:
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- 36.
Fletcher-Munson curve refers to _____?
- A.
The ear's average sensitivity to different frequencies at various levels.
- B.
A great ice cream store.
- C.
Beats per second
- D.
Masking tones
Correct Answer
A. The ear's average sensitivity to different frequencies at various levels.Explanation
The Fletcher-Munson curve refers to the ear's average sensitivity to different frequencies at various levels. This curve shows how our perception of loudness changes with different frequencies. It demonstrates that our ears are more sensitive to some frequencies than others, and that the same sound at different frequencies may be perceived as having different loudness levels. This understanding is important in fields such as audio engineering and music production, as it helps in creating a balanced and pleasing sound mix.Rate this question:
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- 37.
Reverberation is created by _______
- A.
Reflections
- B.
Bouncing
- C.
Absorption
- D.
Distortion
Correct Answer
A. ReflectionsExplanation
Reverberation is created by reflections. When sound waves hit a surface, they bounce back and forth, creating multiple reflections. These reflections combine with the original sound, creating a prolonged and sustained sound effect known as reverberation. Absorption and distortion do not directly contribute to the creation of reverberation.Rate this question:
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- 38.
The ratio of the direct sound's loudness to the reflected sound's level helps the listener judge his/her distance from the sound source.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
The direct sound refers to the sound that reaches the listener's ears directly from the sound source, while the reflected sound refers to the sound that bounces off surfaces before reaching the listener. The ratio of the direct sound's loudness to the reflected sound's level is important because it helps the listener determine their distance from the sound source. When the direct sound is louder compared to the reflected sound, it indicates that the listener is closer to the source. On the other hand, when the reflected sound is louder, it suggests that the listener is farther away. Therefore, the statement is true.Rate this question:
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- 39.
The use of panning and reverb helps create a feeling of space in a mix.
- A.
Ture
- B.
False
Correct Answer
A. TureExplanation
The use of panning and reverb in audio mixing can create a sense of space by placing different sounds in different positions within the stereo field and adding artificial reverberation. Panning allows for the placement of sounds from left to right, while reverb simulates the natural acoustic environment. These techniques help to enhance the spatial perception of a mix, making it sound more immersive and realistic.Rate this question:
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- 40.
Sound CAN NOT bend around an object in a manner that reconstructs the original waveform in both frequency and amplitude.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
B. FalseExplanation
Sound can bend around an object in a manner that reconstructs the original waveform in both frequency and amplitude. This phenomenon is known as diffraction, where sound waves can spread out and bend around obstacles, allowing the sound to be heard on the other side. Therefore, the statement that sound cannot bend around an object in a manner that reconstructs the original waveform in both frequency and amplitude is false.Rate this question:
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Mar 21, 2023Quiz Edited by
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Nov 25, 2009Quiz Created by
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