What are sound effects?

Sound effects are specific sounds that are designed to enhance the storytelling in visual media by matching the action on screen or implying action that is not visually represented. These sounds can greatly influence the audience's perception and emotional response, creating a more immersive experience.

For example, if a character in a film steps on a broken branch, the sound effect of the branch snapping adds realism and helps to convey what is happening visually. Sound effects serve to emphasize certain aspects of a scene, making the experience more engaging and believable.

The other options do not accurately capture the essence of sound effects. Background music generally sets the mood but is not classified as a sound effect. Noises created by voice actors typically relate to dialogue or vocalizations rather than the action itself. Environmental sounds, while important, are broader and do not specifically correlate to actions as sound effects do.