Air sound

Professional Definition

The classification of sounds based on the medium in which they are generated and propagate is the foundation of designing noise control systems.

Airborne Sound – sound produced and spreading in the air.

This definition indicates that the primary source of disturbance is an object that directly causes air molecules to vibrate, and the transmission of energy to the receiver (listener or microphone) occurs via the air.

Acoustics in Simple Words

Airborne sound is simply anything you hear that does not come from the vibrations of the building structure itself (like drilling in a wall). It is a wave that travels through gas – the atmosphere.

Examples are everywhere:

• Conversation between two people.

• Music coming from the radio.

• The barking of a dog.

• The sound of a car passing down the street (before its vibrations transfer to the building).

Why is this distinction important? Because combating airborne sound looks completely different than combating impact sound (material sound).
To stop airborne sound, we must place a tight and heavy barrier in its path. Imagine that airborne sound is like wind or draft. Any, even the smallest hole in the wall, gap under the door, or leaky window will cause the sound to "leak" to the other side.

In the fight against airborne sounds, the principle applies: "Where air goes, sound goes". That’s why seals on doors are as important for acoustics as the thickness of the door leaf itself.

Summary

Airborne sound is an acoustic wave traveling through the atmosphere. It is the basic means of human communication. In the context of acoustic insulation, combating it relies primarily on the airtightness of partitions and using high-mass materials that are difficult to set in motion by such an "airborne wave".

Meta Title:
Airborne Sound – Definition and Acoustic Insulation | Dictionary

Meta Description:
What is airborne sound? Learn how sound is created and propagates in the air and why airtightness is crucial in isolating it.