| To the average person, the concept of noise control | | | | area by adding materials which block the transfer of |
| may seem as simple as telling the kids to quiet down. | | | | sound waves. High-density materials such as concrete, |
| From a scientific perspective, however, noise control is | | | | steel, and stone are often used in this application |
| a much more complicated affair. The means by which | | | | because of they are difficult to penetrate. |
| it is accomplished will depend on both the source and | | | | Sound Absorption. This concept is based on a basic |
| materials associated with the offending sound. In fact, | | | | law of physics which states that energy can neither |
| there are 4 basic approaches to achieving effective | | | | be created nor destroyed. However, it can be |
| noise reduction. Note that each approach is more | | | | converted into another form. In this case, the energy |
| applicable to some situations than others based on the | | | | found in sound waves is converted into heat. By |
| underlying causes and conditions of the disturbance in | | | | extension, this process then minimizes the amount of |
| question. | | | | noise in the environment by reducing the amount of |
| Here are the four main approaches to achieving | | | | remaining energy in the sound wave. As a result, the |
| effective noise control: | | | | amplitude of each sound wave cycle is diminished, thus |
| Sound Insulation. With this approach to noise control, | | | | causing the associated sound to trail off, as well. |
| the goal is to introduce a solid barrier to the | | | | As the name implies, this method of noise reduction |
| environment that helps lessen the reverberation of the | | | | relies on using porous materials that actually "soak up" |
| sound waves. Much like the insulation of a house helps | | | | the sound. Permeable materials such as polyurethane |
| keeps warm air in and cold air out (and vice versa | | | | foam and materials are among the most popular |
| depending on the seasons), this approach effectively | | | | material choices to accomplish this. |
| mitigates the transference of sound within a defined | | | | |