Why are guns loud?
Because guns are so loud, most people would be able to hear them even from a far distance. Guns have long been an object of intrigue, and their loud sound is a significant part of their allure. The sound of a gun ranges from 135db to anywhere above 165db. The sound is so powerful that prolonged exposure could cause temporary hearing loss that could last up to 15 minutes.
So why are guns loud? In this article, we delve into the science behind the thunder and explore the factors that contribute to the ear-shattering sound
But first, let’s examine how a gun works
How Guns Work
The sole purpose of a gun is to propel a bullet, and it does so by firing a spring that hits the bullet hard on the primer part. Wait a minute, we didn’t discuss about the bullet did we?.
The bullet is made up of 4 parts
- The Casing
- Primer
- Projectile
- Gun powder
When a bullet is struck, the explosive charge in the bullet’s primer ignites, igniting the gunpowder that has been stored in the casing directly behind the projectile. When the gunpowder is ignited, it releases gases that quickly expand and propel the bullet out of the gun and toward the target.
So Where Does The Loud Bang Come From?
Imagine the pop of champagne once you remove the cork. This is the same principle that applies to a gun. The loud pop of champagne is a result of the gases inside all trying to exit the bottle at the same time.
However, compared to the champagne bottle, the gases inside a bullet are more compressed, and the pressure is so great that the bullet is expelled at supersonic speed—faster than the speed of sound. The loud bang of a gun, therefore, is a result of the gasses exiting the barrel at a supersonic speed. The projectile will also create a swish sound as it cuts through the air.
CONCLUSION
There you have it, it’s now clear that the sound of the gun has got nothing to do with the gun itself but rather the bullet, as it exits the gun. It’s important to realize that the loud pop of the gun also depends on the size of the bullet and the amount of gunpowder present inside.
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