UNIT-5

Ques: What is Noise pollution and types, sources of noise pollution?

Ans: NOISE POLLUTION:

 Noise pollution is unwanted or excessive sound that is unpleasant sound which effects ours ears and
lead to psychological problems like stress, hypertension, etc..
 Noise is the unpleasant and undesirable sound which leads to discomfort in human beings.
 noise above 65 decibels (dB) as noise pollution. To be precise, noise becomes harmful when it
exceeds 75 decibels (dB) and is painful above 120 dB.

Types of Noise Pollution

Following are the three types of pollution:

 Transport Noise

 Neighbourhood Noise

 Industrial Noise

Transport Noise

It mainly consists of traffic noise which has increased in recent years with the increase in the number of
vehicles. The increase in noise pollution leads to deafening of older people, headache, hypertension, etc.

Neighbourhood Noise

The noise from gadgets, household utensils etc. Some of the main sources are musical instruments,
transistors, loudspeakers, etc.

Industrial Noise

It is the high-intensity sound which is caused by heavy industrial machines. According to many researches,
industrial noise pollution damages the hearing ability to around 20%.

Causes and Sources of Noise Pollution

Following are the causes and sources of noise pollution:

 Industrialisation: Industrialisation has led to an increase in noise pollution as the use of heavy
machinery such as generators, mills, huge exhaust fans are used, resulting in the production of
unwanted noise.
 Vehicles: Increased number of vehicles on the roads are the second reason for noise pollution.
 Events: Weddings, public gatherings involve loudspeakers to play music resulting in the production
of unwanted noise in the neighbourhood.
 Construction sites: Mining, construction of buildings, etc add to the noise pollution.
Noise Pollution Examples

Following are the examples of noise pollution:

 Unnecessary usage of horns

 Using loudspeakers either for religious functions or for political purposes
 Unnecessary usage of fireworks
 Industrial noise
 Construction noise
 Noise from transportation such as railway and aircraft

Ques:What is Acoustics

Ans: Acoustics is a branch of physics that deals with the study of mechanical waves in gases, liquids, and
solids including topics such as vibration, sound, ultrasound and infrasound.

A sound wave is the pattern of disturbance caused by the movement of energy traveling through a medium
(such as air, water or any other liquid or solid matter) as it propagates away from the source of the sound.

Longitudinal waves

A longitudinal wave is one where all the particles of the medium (such as gas, liquid or solid) vibrate in the
same direction as the wave. Sound waves are longitudinal waves.

Transverse waves :A mechanical wave is transverse when all the particles of the medium, which are solid or
liquid (and never gas), vibrate perpendicularly at right angles, up and down, and continue to move in the
direction of the wave.
Ques: Specification for noise polllution as indian standard?

Ans: In India, noise pollution is regulated by the Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, the main
aim to establish a framework for controlling noise pollution, protecting public health and welfare, and
ensuring a peaceful environment for all.) issued under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. These rules
specify permissible noise levels for different zones and time periods.

Zones:

 Industrial Area (Zone A): 75 dB(A) during the day (6 AM to 9 PM) and 70 dB(A) during the night (9
PM to 6 AM).
 Commercial Area (Zone B): 65 dB(A) during the day and 55 dB(A) during the night.
 Residential Area (Zone C): 55 dB(A) during the day and 45 dB(A) during the night.
 Silence Zone (Zone D): 50 dB(A) during the day and 40 dB(A) during the night. Silence zones typically
include hospitals, educational institutions, and courts.

Time Periods:

 Daytime is defined as 6 AM to 9 PM.

 Nighttime is defined as 9 PM to 6 AM.

Additional Specifications:

 The rules also specify maximum permissible sound levels for specific sources like
loudspeakers, generator sets, and construction activities.
 Use of loudspeakers or public address systems is prohibited during the night in residential areas.

Ques: Write short note on:

1. SOUND POWER: Sound power, measured in watts (W), is the total rate of sound energy emitted by
a source per unit time.
sound power tells you how much sound energy a source radiates in all directions.

 Independent: sound power remains constant for a specific source.

 Useful for comparing sources: Comparing the sound power of different sources
 Applications: Sound power is often used in noise control regulations and engineering calculations
for soundproofing or predicting noise propagation.

2. Sound pressure:
Sound pressure, measured in Pascals (Pa), is the local variation in atmospheric pressure caused by a
sound wave.
  Think of sound waves like ripples in a pond. When a pebble drops, it pushes the water
outwards, creating areas of higher and lower water levels. Similarly, sound waves compress and
rarefy the air molecules, causing pressure variations.
 These pressure variations are what our ears actually detect.

3. Sound intensity:
It is the rate of sound energy transfer per unit area perpendicular to the direction of propagation.
measured in Watts per square meter (W/m²).

Formula: I=P/A. Here, P is the power, and A is the area.

The smallest detectable sound intensity is 1*10^-12 w/m2

Ques:What is sound pressure level(SPL)?

Ans: Sound pressure is the pressure applied by the sound waves. The sound pressure level is the ratio of the
actual sound pressure and the reference level which is the lowest intensity sound that can be heard by
maximum people. In other words, a sound pressure level decides the amount of pressure on the sound. It
provides the logarithmic measures of rms value of the sound pressure to the reference value of the sound.

It is expressed in decibal(dB).

It is measured with a Sound Pressure Level Meter, such as the Pulsar Nova. Sound enters the meter through
a microphone, and then the meter evaluates the sound values by converting them into electrical
information and the measurement values in decibels are displayed. An SPL Meter is generally handheld,
mobile and lightweight, The meters will quickly take measurements of noise level and allow the user to
identify sources or situations where noise might be an issue either for occupational (noise at work) reasons,
for environmental pollution or for noisy neighbour disputes.

The sound pressure level formula is expressed by

Lp = 20 log10(prms / pref)

Where,

Prms = root mean square sound pressure in Pa,

pref= reference sound pressure in Pa. (20 μPa)

Solved Example

Example 1: Determine the sound pressure level if the rms pressure value is given as 30 μPa.

Solution:

Given

Prms = 30 μPa

pref = 20 μPa

The sound pressure level formula is given by

Lp = 20 log10 (prms / pref)

Lp = 20 log10 (30 / 20)

Lp = 3.52 dB

Ques: What are the plane, point and line sources of sound?

Ans: When it comes to understanding sound propagation, the concept of source geometry plays a crucial
role. We can categorize sound sources into three main types based on their spatial distribution: point
sources, line sources, and plane sources.

Point Sources:

 Imagine a tiny speaker producing sound. This is a good example of a point source, where the sound
energy radiates equally in all directions, forming a spherical wavefront.
 The sound intensity (energy per unit area) decreases inversely proportional to the square of the
distance from the source. This is known as the inverse square law
 Examples: Small speakers, musical instruments like flutes, human voices at close range.
Line Sources:

 Picture a long highway with continuous traffic noise. This represents a line source, where sound
energy primarily radiates outwards along the length of the line.
 The sound intensity decreases inversely proportional to the distance from the line source
 Examples: Highways, busy streets, long pipelines carrying fluids.

Plane Sources:

Imagine a large wall playing loud music. This is a plane source, where sound energy radiates evenly in all
directions parallel to the plane's surface.

The sound intensity remains relatively constant at equal distances from the plane source within its near
field. However, in the far field, the intensity decreases with distance like a point source.

Examples: Large loudspeakers at concerts, large vibrating surfaces like building walls.

Ques: What is outdoor and indoor noise pollution?

Ans: Outdoor Noise Propagation:

 Dominated by the inverse square law: Sound intensity generally decreases with the square of the
distance from the source, leading to quieter surroundings as you move away.
 Environmental factors play a significant role: Wind, temperature, humidity, and atmospheric
pressure can influence sound waves, causing bending (refraction), scattering, and absorption. For
example, sound travels farther downwind than against it.
 Ground effects: Bare ground reflects sound more efficiently than vegetation or soft surfaces,
impacting noise propagation near highways or construction sites.
 Obstacles and barriers: Walls, buildings, and natural features like hills can block or diffract sound
waves, creating areas of shadow zones and influencing noise patterns.

Indoor Noise Propagation:

 Reflections and reverberation: Sound waves bouncing off walls, floors, and ceilings contribute to
reverberation, impacting clarity and potentially creating echoes.
 Material properties: Different materials absorb sound differently, affecting noise levels. Soft
furnishings and carpets absorb sound, while hard surfaces like wood or concrete reflect it more
efficiently.
 Room geometry: The shape and size of a room influence sound distribution. For example, parallel
walls can create standing waves, amplifying certain frequencies.
 Damping and soundproofing: Materials and techniques can be employed to absorb or deflect sound
waves, reducing noise transmission between rooms and creating quieter spaces.

Ques: psychoacoustics and noise criteria

 Ans: Psychoacoustics is the study of how humans perceive sound. Psychoacoustics includes the
study of speech, music, and other sound frequencies.

 This field investigates how our auditory system processes and interprets sound waves. It examines
factors like:

 Loudness: Our perception of sound intensity, not directly proportional to physical

pressure.
 Pitch: The perceived "highness" or "lowness" of a sound, related to its frequency.
 Timbre: The unique quality of a sound that distinguishes it from others, even with the
same pitch and loudness.
 Masking: The phenomenon where one sound obscures the perception of another.

Noise Criteria:

 These guidelines aim to define acceptable noise levels for various environments, considering
potential human health and well-being impacts. Some common criteria include:

 NC curves: Used for indoor spaces, defining acceptable background noise levels based on
intended activities (e.g., NC-30 for libraries, NC-45 for offices).
 Leq: Equivalent continuous sound level, averaging noise exposure over a specific period
(e.g., LpAeq for daytime noise exposure).
 Ldn: Day-night noise level, accounting for increased sensitivity to noise at night (e.g., Ldn
for assessing environmental noise impact)

Ques: Effects of noise on health?

Ans: Physical Effects:

 Hearing loss: Continuous exposure to loud noise (85 dB or above for extended periods) can damage
the hair cells in your inner ear, leading to permanent hearing loss.
 Tinnitus: A persistent ringing or buzzing sound in the ears that can be debilitating and difficult to
manage.
 Cardiovascular problems: Noise can trigger the release of stress hormones, leading to increased
blood pressure, heart rate, and risk of cardiovascular disease.
 Sleep disturbance: Noise can disrupt sleep patterns, making it difficult to fall asleep, stay
asleep, and achieve quality sleep, impacting overall health and well-being.
 Digestive issues: Chronic noise exposure has been linked to increased stress hormone levels, which
can negatively impact digestion and lead to gastrointestinal problems.

Psychological Effects:

 Stress and anxiety: Noise can be a significant source of stress, leading to anxiety, irritability, and
decreased concentration.
  Cognitive impairment: Chronic noise exposure can negatively impact memory, learning, and
cognitive function.
 Mood disorders: Studies have shown a link between prolonged noise exposure and an increased risk
of depression and other mood disorders.
 Social isolation: People living in noisy environments may be more likely to avoid social interactions
and withdraw from activities they enjoy due to noise discomfort.

Question: Special noise environment: infrasound,ultrasound,impulsive sound, sonic boom.

Ans: Infrasound:

 Frequencies below the audible range of humans, typically 20 Hz and lower.

 Examples: Earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, wind turbines, large waves.
 Can travel long distances and penetrate obstacles readily.
 Not directly heard but may cause physical sensations like vibrations or pressure changes.
 Used in various applications like seismic monitoring, medical imaging, and underwater
communication.

Ultrasound:

 Frequencies above the audible range of humans, typically 20 kHz and higher.
 Examples: Bat calls, medical imaging (sonograms), cleaning devices, industrial applications.
 Can be used for imaging, material testing, cleaning, and communication (e.g., bat sonar).
 May cause discomfort or hearing damage at high intensities.

Impulsive Sound:

 Sounds with a sudden, rapid rise in pressure, followed by a quick decay.

 Examples: Gunshots, explosions, fireworks, hammer blows.
 Can be startling, damaging to hearing, and cause physical stress.
 Measured in peak pressure levels and duration.
 Regulations often limit exposure to impulsive noise to protect workers and the public.

Sonic Boom:

 A shock wave created by an object exceeding the speed of sound.

 Typically generated by aircraft exceeding Mach 1 (faster than sound).
 Sounds like a loud boom or rumble as the shock wave reaches an observer.
  Can cause structural damage and disturb wildlife.
 Research is ongoing to mitigate the effects of sonic booms on communities.

Ques: noise standards and limits values?

Ans:

 OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) standards in the US: Set limits for
workplace noise exposure to protect workers from hearing loss and other health impacts.

 Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) guidelines in the US: Recommend noise levels for outdoor
environments to protect public health and welfare.
  International: World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines provide recommendations for noise
exposure in different environments like homes, workplaces, and recreational areas.

Indian standard: permissible limit according to area and time are as :

Ques: what are the noise control methods?

Ans: Source Control:

 Elimination: Replacing noisy equipment with quieter alternatives is the ideal solution, but not
always feasible.
 Modification: Redesigning machinery or processes to operate quieter, like adding dampers or
adjusting operating speeds.
  Encapsulation: Enclosing noisy equipment in soundproof booths or barriers to contain noise at its
source.
 Isolation: Mounting noisy machinery on vibration isolators to prevent noise transmission through
structures.

Propagation Control:

 Barriers: Walls, sound curtains, and acoustic fences can block or absorb sound waves before they
reach sensitive areas.
 Distance: Increasing the distance between the source and receiver naturally reduces sound
intensity.
 Ductwork and silencers: For exhausts and ventilation systems, sound-absorbing materials and
baffles can dampen noise transmission.
 Landscaping: Strategically planting trees and shrubs can act as natural sound barriers in outdoor
environments.

Receiver Protection:

 Personal protective equipment (PPE): Earplugs, earmuffs, and active noise cancellation headphones
can shield individuals from excessive noise exposure.
 Room acoustics: Soundproofing materials and acoustic design techniques can be employed in
buildings to enhance sound absorption and create quieter spaces.
 Administrative controls: Limiting working hours in noisy environments, providing noise breaks, and
rotating personnel can minimize individual exposure.

Additional Techniques:

 Active noise control: Utilizes microphones and speakers to generate sound waves that cancel out
unwanted noise at specific locations.
 Vibration control: Isolating vibrating machinery or applying damping materials can prevent noise
transmission through vibrations.
 Urban planning: Strategies like traffic routing, building placement, and green spaces can contribute
to quieter cities.