Hypothesis

My hypothesis is that the most absorptive and thickest insulator (independent variable) will be the best material for soundproofing and the sound which is contained in the box with the least volume will have the least sound intensity.  I believe the 10” box will have less intense sound level than the 16” box because of there being a smaller surface area for the sound waves to escape.

There are two types of silencing sound: through passive absorption and through sound barriers. Passive absorption is when sound passes through an absorptive material, such as fibreglass. Sound is forced to change directions whenever encountering another fibre. For a barrier to soundproof, the barrier must have enough mass to stop the energy of the sound waves. (See Appendix I). Out of the independent variables I am testing, the fiberglass seems to be the most absorbent and may have enough thickness for optimal absorption of sound. The next most absorbent material I am testing is the foam, but it may not have a large enough thickness to act as an absorber of  sound. The acoustical tiles are both semi-absorbent and may also have a large enough mass to act as a barrier.  I believe the rigid insulation will not be a good soundproofing material because it neither has absorbency nor a high mass. The following is the order I will rate the variables, from decreasing the sound level the most to decreasing the sound level the least: fiberglass insulation (R12), 0.5” acoustical ceiling tiles, 1” corrugated foam and 1” rigid insulation.

Can You Keep That Noise Down?

Sound

 

Did you know…

 

Ultrasound is sound with frequencies above the range of human hearing.

 

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