Can you name and explain how the three accidentals are used?

The three accidentals in music are sharps, flats, and naturals. A sharp (♯) raises a note by a half step, a flat (♭) lowers it by a half step, and a natural (♮) cancels any previous sharp or flat, returning the note to its original pitch. These accidentals are used to create tension, add color, and facilitate modulation in musical compositions. They help musicians accurately convey the intended sound and emotion of a piece.