Table of Contents
How does the loudness of sound change with distance?
As distance from the sound source increases, the area covered by the sound waves increases. The same amount of energy is spread over a greater area, so the intensity and loudness of the sound is less. This explains why even loud sounds fade away as you move farther from the source.
What affects the loudness of a sound wave?
The amplitude of a sound wave determines its loudness or volume. A larger amplitude means a louder sound, and a smaller amplitude means a softer sound. In Figure 10.2 sound C is louder than sound B. The vibration of a source sets the amplitude of a wave.
How do sounds change?
We change the sounds we make by stretching those vocal cords. When the vocal cords are stretched we make high sounds and when they are loose we make lower sounds. This is known as the pitch of the sound. The sounds we hear every day are actually collections of simpler sounds.
How does loudness of sound vary with amplitude?
Amplitude is a measure of the size of sound waves. It depends on the amount of energy that started the waves. Greater amplitude waves have more energy and greater intensity, so they sound louder. The same amount of energy is spread over a greater area, so the intensity and loudness of the sound is less.
When does the loudness of a sound increase?
With the increase of 10-decibel in the intensity of sound, loudness is 10 times greater. The Intensity of Sound is Dependent on Two Main Factors: The amplitude of the sound waves and how far they have travelled from the source of the sound.
How much does three times the pressure change the sound level?
The sound pressure ratio 3 (three times the pressure) changes the sound pressure level by 9.54 dB. The sound power ratio 3 (three times the intensity) changes the sound power level by 4.77 dB.
What is the meaning of the word loudness?
Loudness is not simply sound intensity! Sound loudness is a subjective term describing the strength of the ear’s perception of a sound.
How does the sound level change with distance?
Sound power or sound power level has nothing to do with the distance from the sound source. Thinking helps: A 100 watt light bulb is emitting constantly the same power. That is really the case – no matter if in 1 m, in 10 m, or even in 100 distance. These emitted watts don’t change with distance.