If sound moves faster through ?

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In summary: If you put a barrier between the sound and receptor, the sound waves will have to go around the barrier to reach the receptor. This reflection will decrease the amount of sound reaching the receptor.
  • #1
neoweb
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If sound moves faster (better?) through dense materials such as wood or metal as compared to air (over ten times quicker through glass i believe) then what's the "scientific" explanation for why putting a sheet of glass or some other barrier between you and the speaker ends up quietening the sound down?

Is it because the glass or whatever is "absorbing" some or a lot of the sound waves? How is this reconciled with the fact that it is also moving faster?
 
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  • #2
neoweb said:
If sound moves faster (better?) through dense materials such as wood or metal as compared to air (over ten times quicker through glass i believe) then what's the "scientific" explanation for why putting a sheet of glass or some other barrier between you and the speaker ends up quietening the sound down?

Is it because the glass or whatever is "absorbing" some or a lot of the sound waves? How is this reconciled with the fact that it is also moving faster?

The sound waves don't transfer between materials such as air and wood easily. Some of the waves will get bounced back by the wood. (echo...)
 
  • #3
neoweb said:
If sound moves faster (better?) through dense materials such as wood or metal as compared to air (over ten times quicker through glass i believe) then what's the "scientific" explanation for why putting a sheet of glass or some other barrier between you and the speaker ends up quietening the sound down?

Is it because the glass or whatever is "absorbing" some or a lot of the sound waves? How is this reconciled with the fact that it is also moving faster?

youve answered your ovn question. It is the absorbtion which dies out the sound. When you put glass in front of a speaker (in a car) notice how the whole car vibrates and the sound energy just goes to the vibration of the car. Another reason is the one stated above but this only works partially.
 
  • #4
reflection. some get through, but most don't.

if the sound sorce and the receptor are within the same solid medium, this reflection won't happen.
 

1. How does the density of a medium affect the speed of sound?

The density of a medium can greatly affect the speed of sound. Generally, the denser the medium, the faster the sound will travel. This is because sound waves travel by compressing and expanding the medium, and denser materials are more resistant to these changes. This is why sound travels faster through solids, like steel, than liquids or gases.

2. Does temperature affect the speed of sound?

Yes, temperature also plays a role in the speed of sound. In general, sound travels faster in warmer temperatures and slower in colder temperatures. This is because the molecules in a warmer medium have more energy and can vibrate more quickly, allowing sound waves to travel faster. This is why sound travels faster in the summer than in the winter.

3. How does the stiffness of a material affect the speed of sound?

The stiffness or elasticity of a material can also impact the speed of sound. Generally, the stiffer the material, the faster the sound will travel. This is because stiffer materials are able to transmit sound waves more efficiently, allowing them to travel faster. For example, sound travels faster through a metal rod than a rubber band.

4. Is the speed of sound constant in all materials?

No, the speed of sound is not constant in all materials. As mentioned before, it can be influenced by factors such as temperature, density, and stiffness. Additionally, the speed of sound can also vary within a single material, depending on the frequency or wavelength of the sound wave. For example, higher frequency sounds may travel faster than lower frequency sounds in the same medium.

5. How does the presence of air affect the speed of sound?

The presence of air can greatly impact the speed of sound. In general, sound travels faster in denser mediums, so it will travel faster through air at sea level compared to air at higher altitudes. Additionally, factors such as humidity and wind can also affect the speed of sound through air. For example, sound may travel faster with the wind and slower against it.

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