Properties of Sound and Noise

 

Author: Thomas W. Rimmer, ScD, CIH       Copyright information

 

This module is a quantitative explanation of the basic properties of sound and noise: level, frequency, and propagation in air. It would be suitable for use in a graduate or undergraduate course in environmental science, occupational health, industrial or environmental engineering, or audiology. The presentations are highly compressed and therefore suitable for use with an Internet-based course management system such as Blackboard or WebCT and may be used with either a high-speed or dial-up connection.

 

After you finish the lectures you may want to take a 20-question, multiple choice quiz.

 

Lectures:

1.    Sound Pressure Level and Decibel Mathematics (40 min.)  

2.    Sound Frequency and Frequency Analysis (25 min.)  

3.    Sound Propagation (18 min.)    

 

Printable slide package for all three lectures (pdf)

 

Instructions for lecture viewing

 

Further information:

·        OSHA (instrumentation)

·        OSHA (noise survey)

·        American Industrial Hygiene Association (Noise Manual, 5th edition)