Eli5 This might be stupid, but is sound louder on planets with thicker atmospheres than earth’s because there are more air molecules that carry the sound vibrations? If so, would it be vice versa for planets with thinner atmospheres than earth’s?

Question

Eli5 This might be stupid, but is sound louder on planets with thicker atmospheres than earth’s because there are more air molecules that carry the sound vibrations? If so, would it be vice versa for planets with thinner atmospheres than earth’s?

In: Earth Science

Answer 1

Not exactly. The sounds will be higher pitched as the density decreases. You can also more efficiently impart energy into the air. For the same amount of energy actually imparted into the air the level of sound will be the same.