[ELI5] Why does a large amount of quiet noises combine to make a loud noise.

Question

[ELI5] Why does a large amount of quiet noises combine to make a loud noise.

In: 2

Answer 1

Think of a still pond. 1 ripple is 1 voice. The more voices there are, the more ripples start happening and the ripples start affecting each other. Quickly, you can’t find 1 area in the pond where the water is still.

Plus, when multiple start talking, other people start talking in a slightly louder tone to be heard. Makes slightly larger ripples. That becomes the new normal, and people (generally) don’t notice the noise gradually rise until it’s pointed out.