Question

Your boss asks you to design a room that can be as soundproof as possible and provides you with three samples of material. The only information on each sample's label is the material's coefficient of absorption. The coefficient of absorption listed on Sample A is 30%, on Sample B is 47%, and on Sample C is 62%. When your boss asks for your choice and the reasoning behind it, what would you tell him?
A. Sample A would be best, because the percentage of the energy in an incident wave that remains in a reflected wave from this material is the smallest.
B. Sample A would be best, because the percentage of the energy in an incident wave that remains in a reflected wave from this material is the largest.
C. Sample C would be best, because the percentage of the energy in an incident wave that remains in a reflected wave from this material is the smallest.
D. Sample C would be best, because the percentage of the energy in an incident wave that remains in a reflected wave from this material is the largest.

Answer 1

The correct answer is Option C) Sample C would be best, because the percentage of the energy in an incident wave that remains in a reflected wave from this material is the smallest.

As the coefficient of absorption would define the energy present in the reflected wave, the material C has the highest percentage of absorption i.e. 62% and would be best suitable to make a sound proof room.

Answer 2

Answer: Option C: Sample C would be best, because the percentage of the energy in an incident wave that remains in a reflected wave from this material is the smallest.

Explanation:

The absorption coefficient of the samples is given. Sample A has 30%, Sample B has 47% and Sample C has 62%. This means that sample C absorbs the most percentage of energy incident on it. The energy in the reflected wave would be least. Hence, it would be best to use for a room to make it soundproof.