Why do air compressors make sounds?

  • Context: High School 
  • Thread starter Thread starter aiop
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Air Compressors
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

Air compressors, including those used in refrigerators, produce sound primarily due to the vibration of moving parts such as motors and pistons. The sound generated is a result of sound waves created when air is compressed and moves through the medium. For humans to hear these sounds, the frequency must fall between 20 Hz and 20,000 Hz, with a pressure level exceeding 20 µPa. Thus, both mechanical movement and air dynamics contribute to the audible noise of compressors.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of sound wave physics
  • Familiarity with air compression mechanisms
  • Knowledge of frequency and sound pressure levels
  • Basic principles of acoustics
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the physics of sound waves and their propagation
  • Explore the mechanics of air compressors and their components
  • Study sound pressure levels and their measurement techniques
  • Learn about the acoustics of vibrating systems
USEFUL FOR

Engineers, acoustics researchers, HVAC technicians, and anyone interested in the mechanics and acoustics of air compression systems.

aiop
Messages
38
Reaction score
0
Why do compressors for example in the fridge make that vibrating sound, I've heard a similar vibrating noise in fans which are compressing air as well... i think. Why does compressing air make sound? Can air hitting air create sound waves?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Well you really can't move air without moving parts. (Except maybe a nebula in space being pushed by solar wind?) It is usually a motor and some kind of piston that you are hearing. Sound waves ARE air hitting air, so I'd think that yes, even if no solid objects are involved, moving air would make sound.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: aiop

Similar threads

How to predict the exit temperature of an air compressor?
  • · Replies 33 ·
2
Replies
33
Views
4K
High School Sound waves: why do air molecules oscillate?
  • · Replies 35 ·
2
Replies
35
Views
6K
Graduate Relaxation times of molecules during sound propagation
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
Graduate Exactly how do pressure waves work at the molecular level?
  • · Replies 49 ·
2
Replies
49
Views
5K
Graduate Curiosity - Relative speeds in relation to the sound barrier?
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
High School What sound frequencies can pass through a hole in a wall?
  • · Replies 31 ·
2
Replies
31
Views
4K
Graduate A Few questions about how a refrigerator works
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
4K
Undergrad How does a meteor explode in mid air, releasing massive amounts of energy?
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
11K
Undergrad What Generates Sound Waves and How Do They Travel Through Different Mediums?
  • · Replies 31 ·
2
Replies
31
Views
4K
Why does air have to be compressed first in gas turbines?
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K