The intensity of sound does follow an inverse square law, similar to the intensity of light. However, there are a few factors that can complicate the perception of sound intensity and make it seem different from light.
Firstly, sound waves spread out spherically from their source, just like light waves. This means that as the sound waves propagate and move away from the source, they spread over a larger area, resulting in a decrease in intensity. The inverse square law states that the intensity decreases as the square of the distance from the source increases.
However, there are additional factors that can affect the perception of sound intensity. One of these factors is atmospheric absorption. As sound travels through the air, it can be absorbed by the molecules in the atmosphere. The absorption is frequency-dependent, meaning that certain frequencies of sound are absorbed more than others. This absorption can cause a decrease in the overall intensity of sound as it propagates through the air.
Additionally, sound can be reflected or absorbed by objects in its path, which can further affect its intensity. For example, if there are walls, furniture, or other obstacles in the room, they can reflect or absorb sound waves, leading to changes in the perceived intensity at different locations within the room.
In summary, while the intensity of sound does decrease with distance following an inverse square law, factors such as atmospheric absorption and interactions with objects in the environment can influence the perceived intensity of sound, making it appear different from light. Sound waves do have associated wavelengths, and their behavior can be described by various principles and mathematical models, such as wave equations and the principles of acoustics.