The Science of Soundproofing – Which Materials Work Best?

Why are recording studios padded with foam? Why do some walls block sound better than others? With the right kit, students can test soundproofing themselves — and learn the science behind it.

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🛠 The Experiment Setup

Using the PASCO wireless sound sensor, we play a constant tone from a speaker and place different materials between the source and the sensor. Options include:

• Foam

• Fabric

• Cardboard

• Bubble wrap

Students measure how the sound intensity (in decibels) changes as each barrier is introduced.

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📊 Making It a Fair Test

• Keep the same sound source and distance each time.

• Test one material at a time.

• Record data in consistent conditions.

This reinforces how to design a fair experiment, a key skill for GCSE and A-Level practical work.

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🔢 The Maths Behind the Noise

Sound is measured in decibels (dB), which use a logarithmic scale. A drop of 10 dB means the sound is about ten times less intense. Students quickly see how even a small change in dB makes a big difference to what we hear.

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📈 The Results

By ranking the materials from most to least effective, students produce a clear graph of soundproofing performance. Foam often comes out on top, with bubble wrap better at absorbing sharp sounds than fabric or cardboard.

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🎓 Real-World Links

Soundproofing isn’t just a classroom curiosity:

• Builders use it to design quieter homes.

• Headphones rely on it to block background noise.

• Studios depend on it to get a clean recording.

Understanding which materials work best gives students a practical link between physics, maths, and everyday life.