Wind can affect the transmission of sound, but it doesn't completely stop sound from traveling. Here's why:
Sound is produced when an object vibrates, creating waves of pressure in the surrounding medium, usually air. These pressure waves then travel through the air as sound waves. When sound waves encounter air molecules, they cause those molecules to vibrate, passing the sound energy along.
When there is wind or air movement, it can have both positive and negative effects on the transmission of sound:
Sound propagation with the wind: When the wind blows in the same direction as the sound waves, it can aid in the transmission of sound. The moving air molecules carry the sound waves further and faster, allowing the sound to travel over longer distances. This effect is often experienced in outdoor settings when the wind carries sounds from a distance.
Sound propagation against the wind: When the wind blows in the opposite direction to the sound waves, it can hinder the transmission of sound. The moving air molecules act as a barrier, causing some of the sound energy to be dispersed or deflected, reducing the loudness and clarity of the sound. This is why it can be more challenging to hear sounds clearly when there is a strong headwind.
However, even with wind blowing against the sound waves, some sound will still reach your ears. Sound waves can bend and diffract around obstacles, including air turbulence caused by wind, to a certain extent. Additionally, some sound waves can still pass through gaps or reach your ears indirectly through reflections from surfaces.
It's important to note that wind is just one of many factors that can influence the transmission of sound. Other factors such as distance, obstacles, and the frequency of the sound waves also play a role.