Sound Transmission: Glass vs. Wood Doors

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SUMMARY

Sound transmission differs significantly between glass and wood doors due to their physical properties. Glass doors, being almost airtight, inhibit sound transmission as the sound energy struggles to transfer from air to the dense glass and back to air. In contrast, wooden doors, which typically do not seal as tightly, allow sound to escape through gaps, facilitating better sound transmission. This discussion highlights the importance of material density and sealing in soundproofing.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of sound transmission principles
  • Knowledge of material density and its effects on sound
  • Familiarity with acoustics and soundproofing techniques
  • Basic physics concepts related to energy transfer
NEXT STEPS
  • Research soundproofing materials and their effectiveness
  • Explore the physics of sound transmission in different mediums
  • Learn about acoustic sealing techniques for doors
  • Investigate the properties of glass and wood in sound absorption
USEFUL FOR

Acoustics engineers, architects, interior designers, and anyone involved in soundproofing or noise control in buildings.

ananthu
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Homework Statement



when people speak inside a closed cabin with glass doors, sound is not heard outside where as with wooden doors it is heard outside. What is the correct explanation? Is it because, sound is not at all transmitted through glass, or, absorbed by the glass? What is the exact mechanism involved?

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution

 
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Glass doors are almost airtight so you need the sound to be transmitted into the glass and then from the glass back into the air. The efficency of this transfer is something like the difference in density squared (not really but in simple terms) so very little energy gets into heavy glass and out again.

The wooded door probably doesn't seal well so the air (an the sound in the air) can go through the gaps. Also the air will couple to the light wood better
 

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