Acoustics quiz

Please answer the following 10 multiple choice questions, then click 'submit' to check the result. The pass mark for a CPD certificate is 8 out of 10, and you may retake the quiz as many times as you wish, but the questions will vary! Please note that one, two, three or all of the possible answers presented for each question may be right, and to gain a mark for that question all correct answers must be identified.

Good luck

Acoustics

Application of the mass law shows that ...?

2 times the mass gives approximately 10 dB increase in sound insulation
3 times the mass gives approximately 5 dB increase in sound insulation
2 times the mass gives approximately 5 dB increase in sound insulation
3 times the mass gives approximately 12 dB increase in sound insulation

To the human ear a 10 dB increase in sound 'feels' like an increase in loudness of how many times?

1
2
3
4

In England and Wales the airborne sound requirement for a separating wall between purpose built dwellings is ...?

DnT,w + Ctr ≥ 40 dB
DnT,w + Ctr ≤ 45 dB
DnT,w + Ctr ≥ 45 dB
DnT,w + Ctr ≤ 40 dB

Which of the following design approaches should be applied for good acoustic performance?

Concentrate on reducing direct sound transmission rather than flanking sound transmission
Focus on reducing flanking sound as well as direct sound transmission
Apply the combined principles of mass, isolation and sealing
Concentrate on maximising mass to improve sound insulation

Sound insulation requirements are included in which part of the England and Wales Building Regulations?

E
B
A
L

The online acoustic performance prediction tool is ...?

Based on an empirical approach derived from acoustic test results
Intended for estimating purposes only
Intended to provide precise predictions
Only part of the solution, exact specification of materials and quality of workmanship are also important

For walls within the same dwelling (internal walls) which of these statements is true?

Internal walls must be at least 150 mm thick
Two layers of plasterboard must be used on both sides of an internal wall
For internal walls it is not necessary to demonstrate compliance with regulations by PCT or using Robust Details
Specially designed 'acoustic' studs must be used for internal wall construction

Acoustic insulation testing is generally carried out at ...?

One single frequency
A range of frequencies from 100 Hz to 3150 Hz
Two specific frequencies of 100 Hz and 3150 Hz
A range of frequencies from 300 Hz to 1000 Hz

There are many proprietary acoustic products available, which of these statements is true?

The performance of products can vary significantly even though the products may appear to be similar
Acoustic vinyl flooring is good for impact sound because it addresses the issue at source
Standard office ceiling tiles help significantly with airborne sound insulation
Floor treatment systems all provide a similar improvement in sound insulation

Impact sound insulation is generally important for what?

Floors only
Walls only
Floors and walls
Neither walls nor floors