Air does not provide a complete barrier to sound waves. Sound waves can propagate through air, and they typically travel more efficiently in air compared to other mediums, such as liquids or solids. However, the properties of air, such as its density and temperature, can affect the propagation of sound waves.
When sound waves travel through air, they cause the air particles to vibrate, creating a series of compressions and rarefactions. These vibrations are what allow the sound to propagate from the source to our ears.
While air allows sound waves to travel, it does have some effects on them. For example, air can attenuate or reduce the energy of sound waves as they travel through it. This attenuation is more pronounced at higher frequencies, which is why high-pitched sounds tend to dissipate more quickly in air compared to low-pitched sounds.
Additionally, factors such as temperature, humidity, and air pressure can also influence the speed and behavior of sound waves in the air. Changes in these properties can affect the velocity and attenuation of sound waves, leading to variations in how sound propagates.
In summary, air does not act as a complete barrier to sound waves. Instead, it serves as the medium through which sound can travel, albeit with some modifications to the wave properties along the way.