Why sound is less intense for distant observers - Essay Example

Why sound is less intense for distant observers Sound gets propagated from one place to another in the form of waves. The waves carry the sound through long or short distances in terms of energy particles. The longer the distance, the sound waves, travel the more the energy they use up for propagation. In this light, intensity of the sound decreases with distance. A person who is next to the area of origin of the sound hears it louder as opposed to one that is far away from that point. This is because the sound energy at the point of origin is stronger hence louder, while to the person who is far the sound energy is weaker hence not loud.

A perfect example is that of a siren or fire alarm. One who is closer to the source of the sound hears it louder than the person who is far away from the point of origin. This same principle applies to someone who is listening to an ambulance moving along the road. As it approaches, the sound is loud; however, the sound diminishes as the ambulance moves further away from the individual. In reference to the laws of conservation of energy, "energy can neither be created nor destroyed," but can be transformed from one from of energy to another.

It also defines that energy can either be kinetic, potential, heat and light. In reference to the propagation of sound, when the sound energy gets transmitted over long distances until they cannot be heard they do not disappear, but gets transformed into another form of energy. Work cited Lawson, Jennifer E. Hands-on Science: Sound, Physical Science (energy). Winnipeg: Peguis Publishers, 2001. Print