Does high humidity air transfer sound better than dry air?

  • Context: Undergrad 
  • Thread starter Thread starter gary350
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Air Humidity Sound
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

High humidity air transfers sound differently than dry air due to its lower density at the same temperature and pressure. The discussion highlights that road traffic generates more tire noise on wet roads, indicating that sound propagation is affected by moisture levels. Additionally, hot air's ability to hold more moisture compared to cold air contributes to variations in sound transmission. The presence of horizontal temperature stratification can create a waveguide effect, enhancing sound travel contrary to the inverse square law.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of sound wave propagation
  • Knowledge of air density and humidity effects
  • Familiarity with temperature stratification concepts
  • Basic principles of acoustics and waveguides
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the impact of humidity on sound speed and transmission
  • Explore the principles of acoustics in varying environmental conditions
  • Study the effects of temperature stratification on sound propagation
  • Investigate the relationship between road conditions and noise generation
USEFUL FOR

Acoustics researchers, environmental scientists, sound engineers, and anyone interested in the effects of humidity on sound transmission.

gary350
Messages
291
Reaction score
83
TL;DR
Sometimes highway traffic 1/4 mile away sounds like its in our yard then other times traffic is hardly noticeable.?

2 weeks of no rain traffic is hardly noticeable. Now 5 days of none stop rain traffic sounds like its in the back yard.
Does high humidity air transfer sound better than dry air?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Road traffic makes more tire noise when the road is wet.
Humid air is less dense than dry air at the same temperature and pressure.
Hot air can dissolve more moisture than cold air.
A horizontal stratification of temperature can duct sound in a waveguide, rather than inverse square law.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: Vanadium 50, Lnewqban, vanhees71 and 1 other person

Similar threads

  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
1K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • · Replies 42 ·
2
Replies
42
Views
12K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
1K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K
  • · Replies 59 ·
2
Replies
59
Views
6K