Chapter 5: Problem 61
What are the factors which affect the loudness of sound?
Short Answer
Expert verified
Provide a brief explanation for each factor.
Answer: The loudness of sound is influenced by several factors:
1. Amplitude: A higher amplitude results in a louder sound as more energy is transferred by the sound wave.
2. Frequency: The human ear is more sensitive to certain frequency ranges, and sounds within the 2,000 - 5,000 Hz range are perceived to be louder.
3. Distance from the sound source: Loudness decreases as the listener gets farther away from the source due to the spreading out of sound waves.
4. Medium of sound propagation: Sound waves travel faster and are better transmitted through denser mediums, making the sound appear louder. In less dense mediums, sound propagation is slower and less efficient, resulting in a quieter sound.
5. Ambient noise and background interference: The presence of other sounds in the environment can affect the perception of loudness, as the human ear filters out the sound, making it less noticeable amid the ambient noise.