What happens when sound waves are absorbed by materials?

When sound waves encounter various materials, absorption occurs, which involves the conversion of sound energy into other forms of energy, typically heat. This process leads to a reduction in the sound wave’s intensity as energy is dissipated. Consequently, the sound waves do not maintain their original amplitude or strength and become quieter as they pass through or interact with the material.

Absorption is a key concept in acoustics and is influenced by several factors, including the material's composition, density, and thickness. For instance, soft materials like carpets or curtains tend to absorb sound effectively, while hard surfaces like concrete or glass reflect sound waves. Understanding the role of absorption in sound behavior is crucial in fields such as audio engineering, architectural acoustics, and hearing instrument design.

The other options highlight different interactions with sound waves. Reflection suggests that sound waves bounce back, which occurs with non-absorbent surfaces. Continuing through the material focuses on transmission rather than loss of intensity through absorption. Multiplying sound waves typically implies interference or resonance, which does not directly relate to the absorption of sound. Thus, the primary outcome of sound wave absorption is the loss of energy and a consequent reduction in intensity.