Relation between sound intensity and frequency

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the relationship between sound intensity and frequency, highlighting the sound intensity formula: dE/dT*dS. It establishes that while amplitude influences intensity, the common use of pressure amplitude indicates that intensity does not depend on frequency. Additionally, it emphasizes that human perception of loudness varies with frequency, meaning sounds of equal intensity can be perceived differently based on their frequency. The distinction between particle displacement and pressure amplitude is crucial in understanding these concepts.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of sound intensity formulas, specifically dE/dT*dS
  • Knowledge of amplitude definitions in sound waves
  • Familiarity with human auditory perception and frequency sensitivity
  • Basic principles of wave mechanics
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the impact of amplitude definitions on sound intensity calculations
  • Explore the relationship between frequency and human loudness perception
  • Study the differences between particle displacement and pressure amplitude in sound waves
  • Investigate sound intensity measurement techniques and their applications
USEFUL FOR

Acoustics researchers, audio engineers, sound designers, and anyone interested in the physics of sound and auditory perception.

Tulio Cesar
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The sound intensity formula is given by: dE/dT*dS. So the variables are energy, related to the amplitude of the wave, area, related to wavefronts distribution on space, and time. So many times I don't see any reference about the relation between frequency and sound intensity, but if time is a variable, so shouldn't it be important to know how much time the energy of a wave does take to pass through an area? If so, is it correct to assert that the G note, having the same amplitude (and consequently being as loud) of A note, has therefore more sound intensity?
Please correct any conceptual mistake i may have done and elucidate the topic for me.
 
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It depends on ow do you define the amplitude. If you describe the wave by particle displacement then indeed the intensity depends on frequency.
However, more common is to use pressure amplitude and in this case the intensity does not depend on frequency.

If you are talking about hearing a sound, then the sensitivity of the ear depends on frequency and sounds with the same intensity but different frequencies may be perceived as having different loudness levels.
 

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