Question

Noise can defined as __________________.

• A. desirable sound
• B. desirable and unwanted sound
• C. undesirable and unwanted sound
• D. undesirable and wanted sound

Answer 1

The correct option is C undesirable and unwanted sound

Noise is an unpleasant, undesirable and unwanted sound which leads to discomfort in humans. The word noise is derived from a Latin word ‘nausea’ which means sickness. The intensity of sound is measured in decibels (dB). Hence option c is correct.

Noise pollution is an undesired high level of sound (noise) affecting health and well being of organisms. Sounds that reach 85 decibels or higher can harm a person’s ears, therefore sound ranges around and beyond 85 decibels are referred to as high levels for humans.

It has become a matter of concern as people are surrounded by the sound of vehicles, aircraft, industrial machines, loudspeakers, crackers etc.

Long exposure to loud noise can result in elevated blood levels which can cause hypertension and cardiovascular diseases in a normal person. It damages the eardrums, thus resulting in permanent hearing disability. Even noise pollution can affect the sleep cycle of an individual leading to sleeping disorders, low energy levels and fatigue.

Figure : Noise