Would metal hitting metal or metal hitting glass make more noise?

In summary, metal hitting metal will make a louder noise compared to metal hitting glass due to the elasticity and ability to transfer kinetic forces into vibrations. This can be tested by dropping a glass marble and a steel ball bearing on a metal plate and observing the difference in sound.
  • #1
JimmyJockstrap
23
0
If you have a lump of metal would it make a louder noise if it hit glass or metal?
 
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  • #2
Well if the lump of metal smashed the glass and your family screams at you for being crazy that would certainly be louder than if it hit another metal right?
 
  • #3
Metal is more elastic than glass - and so metals can be struck harder and vibrate at larger amplitudes without breaking.

Maybe you can get a glass marble and a steel ball bearing and drop them on a metal plate and see what is louder.
 
  • #4
Metal with Metal. The elasticity transfers the kinetic forces into vibrations and sounds better than glass.
 
  • #5


I can provide a logical explanation for this question. The amount of noise produced when metal hits another surface, whether it is metal or glass, depends on various factors such as the composition, shape, and size of the objects involved.

In general, when two objects collide, the noise produced is a result of the vibrations created in the materials. When a metal object hits another metal object, the vibrations are transferred within the metal and can travel through the entire object, resulting in a loud noise. This is because metals are denser and have a higher modulus of elasticity, which allows them to vibrate more easily and produce a louder sound.

On the other hand, when a metal object hits glass, the vibrations are mostly absorbed by the glass, resulting in a lower noise level. This is due to the lower density and modulus of elasticity of glass, which makes it less efficient at transferring vibrations and producing sound.

However, it is important to note that the specific noise level produced in each scenario can also depend on the specific properties of the metal and glass involved. For example, a thick and heavy piece of glass may produce a louder noise than a thin and light piece of metal.

In regards to the lump of metal, the noise produced would also depend on its specific properties, such as its size, shape, and composition. A larger and denser lump of metal would likely produce a louder noise compared to a smaller and lighter one, regardless of whether it hits glass or metal.

In conclusion, the amount of noise produced when metal hits metal or glass depends on various factors and cannot be determined solely based on the materials involved.
 

1. Does the type of metal affect the noise produced when it hits another metal or glass?

Yes, the type of metal used can greatly impact the noise produced. Different metals have varying densities and hardness, which can affect the sound waves produced when they collide.

2. What factors contribute to the loudness of the noise produced?

The loudness of the noise produced by metal hitting metal or glass depends on several factors, including the speed and force of the impact, the surface area of the objects, and the shape and composition of the materials.

3. Is there a difference in the pitch of the noise when metal hits metal versus metal hitting glass?

Yes, there can be a difference in pitch between these two scenarios. The pitch is determined by the frequency of the sound waves produced, which can vary depending on the materials involved and the force of the impact.

4. Why does metal hitting metal produce a louder sound than metal hitting glass?

This is due to the difference in density between metal and glass. Metal is a much denser material than glass, meaning it can vibrate and produce sound waves at a higher amplitude, resulting in a louder noise.

5. Can the shape of the objects affect the noise produced when metal hits metal or glass?

Yes, the shape of the objects can impact the noise produced. For example, a flat piece of metal hitting a curved piece of glass may produce a different sound than a round piece of metal hitting a flat piece of metal. This is because the shape can affect the surface area and force of the impact, altering the resulting sound waves.

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