Would metal hitting metal or metal hitting glass make more noise?

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    Glass Metal Noise
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the question of whether a lump of metal would produce a louder noise when it strikes glass or another piece of metal. Participants explore the properties of materials and their effects on sound production, considering both theoretical and experimental perspectives.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Debate/contested, Experimental/applied

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests that the loudness of the noise may depend on the context, such as the reaction of people nearby if glass is broken.
  • Another participant notes that metal is more elastic than glass, allowing it to vibrate at larger amplitudes without breaking, which could influence the sound produced.
  • A proposal is made to conduct an experiment by dropping a glass marble and a steel ball bearing on a metal plate to compare the sounds produced.
  • It is claimed that metal striking metal transfers kinetic forces into vibrations more effectively than metal striking glass, potentially resulting in a louder sound.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the factors influencing sound loudness, with no consensus reached on whether metal hitting glass or metal would be louder.

Contextual Notes

Participants do not fully explore the assumptions regarding material properties or the specific conditions of the proposed experiment, leaving some aspects unresolved.

JimmyJockstrap
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If you have a lump of metal would it make a louder noise if it hit glass or metal?
 
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Well if the lump of metal smashed the glass and your family screams at you for being crazy that would certainly be louder than if it hit another metal right?
 
Metal is more elastic than glass - and so metals can be struck harder and vibrate at larger amplitudes without breaking.

Maybe you can get a glass marble and a steel ball bearing and drop them on a metal plate and see what is louder.
 
Metal with Metal. The elasticity transfers the kinetic forces into vibrations and sounds better than glass.
 

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