Why Do Lower Frequency Sounds Travel Easily Through Walls?

[LoveKnowledge]

1. Apartment dwellers will testify that bass notes are more distinctly heard from music played in nearby apartments. Why do you suppose lower-frequency sounds travel through walls, floors, and ceilings more easily?



2. n/a



3. Lower frequency sounds travel through walls, floors, and ceilings more easily due to the fact that lower frequency sounds have higher wavelengths which increase the intensity of the sound which is heard through the various mediums.

I want to make sure if my answer is correct or am I confusing something? Thanks in advance for your help!

 

[marcusl]

No, your answer is wrong on both counts. First: what is the relation between frequency and wavelength? Second, why do you think wavelength is coupled to intensity?

 

[LoveKnowledge]

Lower frequency = higher wavelength and higher frequency = lower wavelength; frequency and wavelength are inversely proportional

I thought that that wavelength and intensity are related to each other...since lower frequency = higher wavelength which I thought meant greater intensity?

 

[marcusl]

Sorry, I didn't realize that you are using "higher" to mean longer. Yes, higher frequencies have longer wavelengths. However, wavelength and intensity are unrelated.

The answer to the question has more to due with the mass of material needed to reflect or attenuate the sound. It works for sound production too--consider the size and weight of a woofer (producing bass) compared to that of a tweeter (high notes) to get your thinking started in the right direction.

 

[rwisz]

Yes, your answer is correct. Lower frequency sounds have longer wavelengths which allow them to penetrate through walls, floors, and ceilings more easily compared to higher frequency sounds with shorter wavelengths. This is because longer wavelengths are less likely to be absorbed or scattered by the materials in the walls, floors, and ceilings, allowing the sound to travel further and with less loss of intensity. Additionally, lower frequency sounds also have lower energy levels, making them less likely to be affected by obstacles and barriers like walls. This is why bass notes from music played in nearby apartments can be heard more distinctly compared to higher frequency sounds.