What phenomenon can occur when recording words containing the letters "p" and "b"?

The phenomenon that occurs when recording words containing the letters "p" and "b" is known as plosives. Plosives are a type of consonantal sound that is produced by obstructing airflow at some point in the vocal tract, then releasing it. Specifically, the sounds "p" and "b" are classified as plosives due to the way they are articulated - with a complete closure of the lips for "p" and a voiced closure for "b".

When these sounds are recorded, they can create a burst of air that results in a sharp and often undesired sound, especially when using sensitive microphones. This can lead to distortion in audio recordings, commonly referred to in sound engineering as “popping.” Understanding plosives is essential for sound recording and editing, as it allows audio engineers to use techniques such as pop filters or specific microphone placements to mitigate the effects of these sounds, ensuring clearer and more professional-quality audio.