The volume or amplitude of sound does matter, even if sound will eventually travel. Here's why:
Perception: The volume of sound directly affects how loud or soft a sound appears to our ears. A higher volume sound is perceived as louder, while a lower volume sound is perceived as softer. This is essential for communication, warnings, entertainment, and various everyday activities.
Distance: Sound waves spread out as they travel through a medium, such as air. As they propagate, the energy of the sound wave gets distributed over a larger area. The volume of the sound determines how much energy the sound wave carries, and this energy diminishes with distance from the source. So, the initial volume is crucial for determining how far the sound can reach and still be audible.
Attenuation: Sound waves experience attenuation, which means they lose energy as they travel through a medium. Higher volume sound waves have more energy to start with, so they can travel a bit further before becoming too weak to be heard.
Signal-to-Noise Ratio: In various environments, there are background noises or ambient sounds that may interfere with the sound of interest. Higher volume sounds can have a better signal-to-noise ratio, making them easier to discern and understand amidst the noise.
Psychological Impact: The volume of sound can have emotional and psychological effects on individuals. Loud sounds can startle or induce fear, while softer sounds can be calming or soothing.
Safety: In certain situations, like emergency alarms or warning signals, a higher volume is crucial to ensure that people can hear and respond to them quickly, especially in noisy or crowded environments.
While sound will indeed travel, the volume at which it starts significantly affects its reach, audibility, and overall impact. Therefore, controlling and managing sound volume is vital in various practical applications, including communication, entertainment, safety, and public announcements.