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Sound Intensity Distance

The document outlines a physics investigatory project that studies the relationship between distance and sound intensity using a smartphone sound level meter app. It explains the theory of sound propagation, the procedure for conducting the experiment, and how to analyze the results in relation to the inverse square law. The findings indicate that sound intensity decreases as distance from the source increases, confirming the theoretical expectations.

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rudrakshmittal152
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142 views3 pages

Sound Intensity Distance

The document outlines a physics investigatory project that studies the relationship between distance and sound intensity using a smartphone sound level meter app. It explains the theory of sound propagation, the procedure for conducting the experiment, and how to analyze the results in relation to the inverse square law. The findings indicate that sound intensity decreases as distance from the source increases, confirming the theoretical expectations.

Uploaded by

rudrakshmittal152
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Physics Investigatory Project

Title: To Study the Relationship Between Distance and Sound Intensity

Apparatus/Materials Required
 Smartphone with a Sound Level Meter app installed (e.g., Decibel X or
Sound Meter)

 Speaker or another phone to play sound

 Measuring tape or ruler

 Quiet room or outdoor space

 Notebook and pen for observations

Theory
Sound travels as longitudinal waves and spreads in all directions from the
source. The intensity of sound is defined as the power per unit area. It is
commonly measured in decibels (dB).
As the distance increases from the source, sound energy spreads over a
larger area, reducing its intensity.
According to the Inverse Square Law:
I ∝ 1/d²
This means: - If the distance is doubled, the intensity becomes one-fourth.
- If the distance is tripled, the intensity becomes one-ninth, and so on.

Procedure
1. Place the speaker (or phone) on a fixed surface and play a continuous
tone or sound at a constant volume.
2. Open the sound meter app on your measuring phone.
3. Use the measuring tape to mark points at 0.5 m, 1 m, 1.5 m, 2 m, 2.5
m, etc., from the sound source.
4. At each distance:
o Hold the phone with the app steady and facing the sound source.
o Record the sound intensity (in dB) shown on the app.
o Repeat each measurement 2-3 times and take the average.
5. Record all values in a table.
6. Plot a graph of Sound Intensity (dB) vs. Distance (m).

Observations
Distance Reading 1 Reading 2 Reading 3 Average Intensity
(m) (dB) (dB) (dB) (dB)
0.5
1.0
1.5
2.0
2.5

Calculation
You can calculate how closely the results follow the inverse square law:
Compare I₁ / I₂ ≈ (d₂ / d₁)²
Example:
If I₁ = 80 dB at d₁ = 1 m
And I₂ = 74 dB at d₂ = 2 m,
then verify if:
80 / 74 ≈ (2 / 1)² = 4
(Note: dB scale is logarithmic, so exact matches are not expected.)

Result
As the distance from the sound source increases, the measured sound
intensity decreases.
The experiment supports the inverse square law of sound, showing that
intensity is inversely proportional to the square of the distance.

Precautions
 Perform the experiment in a quiet place to avoid background noise.

 Ensure the sound source volume remains constant throughout.


 Do not block the microphone of the measuring phone.

 Hold the phone at the same height and angle each time.

 Avoid echoing walls or reflective surfaces.

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