Physics Toolbox by Vieyra Software Get the appGet

Sound Intensity

What is the relationship between the sound intensity and distance from a point source of sound?

Tools
Sound MeterTone Generator

Try this

Create a constant sound source by using the Tone Generator tool on one mobile device. Record the sound intensity with another mobile device by using the Sound Meter tool. Using a meter stick, measure how the sound intensity changes as a function of distance from the sound source.

Challenge yourself

  • Create a graph of Sound Intensity vs. Distance from the sound source, and derive a mathematical expression for this relationship.
  • If there are any constants in this mathematical expression, explain their significance.
  • How would this experiment be different if the tone produced was louder or had a different frequency? Explain.

More in Sound

Sound Meter Ambient Noise How loud is my environment? Tone Generator Beats What is the relationship between two frequencies played at once and the observed beat? Tone Generator Forced Resonance of Sound How many harmonics can be created in a straw?