Noise Pollution
Measure the intensity of various sound sources.
PASPORT Sound Level Sensor
(PS-2109)
ScienceWorkshop Sound Sensor (CI-6506B)
Lab Summary
Students will use a Sound Level Sensor to measure the intensity of various sound sources. Measurements will be taken during different times of the day and at different locations and students will observe the changing levels.
Noise pollution can be defined as sounds or noises that are loud, annoying and harmful to the ear. Loud sounds can damage hearing, not only in humans, but also in animals. For example, noises in the ocean, such as the sounds of ships and other industrial activity, can interfere with a marine mammal's use of sound for navigating, hunting and communicating.
Sounds that are very loud and short in duration can damage a person's hearing quickly. Loud, continuous sounds can cause long-term effects on hearing. In general, sounds can be characterized by their frequency (or pitch) and intensity (or loudness). The vibrations that produce a sound are cyclical and are measured in hertz (Hz). One hertz (Hz) equals the number of cycles that occur per second. An adult with good hearing can generally hear frequencies in the range 20 to 15,000 Hz. Children can usually hear frequencies above 20,000 Hz.
The sound pressure level is measured in decibels (dB). For example, a whisper can occur in the range of 20-30 dB, while normal conversation is about 60 dB. A person that is shouting in your face could easily exceed 80 dB! PASCO's Sound Sensors can be used to measure the decibel levels of sound.
Hypothesize: Will the Sound Levels in a classroom increase or decrease during a class period? Why?
Published: February 2003
Downloads
- Noise Pollution - PASPORT (24 KB, .zip)
Includes experiment setup, procedures and Datastudio file
- Noise Pollution - ScienceWorkshop (24 KB, .zip)
Includes experiment setup, procedures and Datastudio file
Here's What You Need
U.S. Educator prices shown.
Probeware (PASPORT System)
PASPORT Sound Level Sensor (PS-2109) - $125
Measures true sound level in decibels (both dBA and dBC scales) and sound intensity. For use with PASPORT Interfaces.
Xplorer GLX (PS-2002) - $349
The Xplorer GLX is a data collection, graphing, and analysis tool designed for science students and educators.
Probeware (ScienceWorkshop System)
750 Interface, USB (CI-7650) - $679
The 750 Interface allows students to measure force, temperature, pressure, angular velocity, acceleration, current, and magnetic field with a built-in function generator and oscilloscope mode.
