Sound vs Distance: Why Do We Hear It Better Closer?

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In summary, the conversation discusses the reason why sounds are louder when we are closer to the source and quieter when we are farther away. It is explained that this is due to the decrease in intensity as the distance from the sound source increases, rather than a change in frequency. The further away we are, the more spread out the sound energy becomes, resulting in a decrease in intensity.
  • #1
BH Wiz
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Hello Everyone,
I have a somewhat simple question:
Why do we hear a sound better when we're closer to the object making it?Or less when we're farther? (ie a car siren is disturbingly loud when standing next to the engine but not the same when standing like 10 feet away).
Could it be because the farther you are, the lower the frequency? or it's not about that at all?
Please excuse my English as well as my ignorance about the matter.
Thank you in advance. :smile:
 
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  • #2
The distance does not affect the frequency. When you increase the distance from the sound source, the intensity is dropping. Intensity is power per unit area. When you are farther away, the acousting power from the source is spread over larger surface (sphere with the radius equal to your distance from the source). The acoustic power of the source is the same, but in greater distance you receive less of that power.
 
  • #3
I see! Thanks Plate. :smile:
 

Related to Sound vs Distance: Why Do We Hear It Better Closer?

1. What exactly is sound?

Sound is a form of energy that is created by vibrations and travels through a medium, such as air, water, or solid objects. These vibrations cause changes in air pressure, which our ears detect and interpret as sound waves.

2. How does sound travel through distance?

Sound waves travel through a medium by causing particles to vibrate, which then pass on the vibration to neighboring particles. This creates a chain reaction, allowing the sound to travel through the medium until it reaches an object or our ears.

3. Why do we hear sound better when it is closer to us?

The intensity of sound decreases as it travels through distance due to the spreading out of the sound waves. This means that the farther away we are from the source of the sound, the more dispersed the sound waves are and the quieter the sound becomes. Therefore, we hear sound better when it is closer to us because the sound waves have not had a chance to spread out and become less intense.

4. Does the distance between the listener and the sound source affect the perception of sound?

Yes, the distance between the listener and the sound source does affect the perception of sound. As mentioned before, the intensity of sound decreases with distance, making the sound appear quieter. Additionally, the distance also affects the direction and clarity of the sound, as it may be muffled or distorted due to interference from other objects or the medium it travels through.

5. Are there any other factors besides distance that affect how we hear sound?

Yes, there are other factors that can affect how we hear sound. These include the properties of the medium, such as temperature and humidity, as well as the characteristics of the sound itself, such as frequency and amplitude. Additionally, the physical properties of our ears, such as the shape and size of our earlobes, can also play a role in how we perceive sound.

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