Glass, in general, is not as effective at blocking sound waves as water is at blocking light waves. While glass can attenuate or reduce the intensity of sound waves to some extent, it does not create a complete sound barrier like water does for light waves.
Sound waves are mechanical waves that require a medium (such as air, water, or solids) to propagate. When sound waves encounter a glass medium, they can pass through it, but their intensity may be reduced due to various factors:
Reflection: Part of the sound wave can be reflected back when it encounters the surface of the glass. The reflected sound wave can interfere with the incident wave, causing partial cancellation or reduction in intensity.
Transmission: Glass allows sound waves to pass through it to some degree. However, the transmission of sound through glass depends on the specific properties of the glass, such as its thickness and composition. Different types of glass can have different levels of sound transmission.
Absorption: Some sound energy can be absorbed by the glass material itself. The absorption depends on the properties of the glass, including its thickness, density, and composition. Generally, thicker and denser glass tends to absorb more sound energy.
Sealing: The effectiveness of glass as a sound barrier can be enhanced by sealing gaps and ensuring airtightness around the glass panels. This prevents sound waves from finding alternative paths around the glass, improving its sound-blocking capabilities.
While glass can provide some degree of sound insulation, it is not as effective as materials specifically designed for soundproofing, such as acoustic foams, heavy mass barriers, or specialized double-glazed windows. These materials are engineered to minimize sound transmission by incorporating sound-absorbing layers, mass, and air gaps to create a more efficient sound barrier.