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[Exploring the Science of Sound: Snoring, Clapping, and Barking]-[Two Whats?! And A Wow! - Astounding Sounding]

Wow in the World · B1 · 2021-04-16

Preschool Enlightenment
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📋 Summary

The Science of Sound: A Deep Dive into 'Two Whats and a Wow'

In this episode of the popular podcast Wow in the World, hosts Mindy Thomas and Guy Raz engage listeners in their signature scientific game show, "Two Whats and a Wow." The episode focuses on the physics and intensity of noise, challenging young listeners to identify true scientific facts among common misconceptions.

The Phenomenon of Human Snoring

The central "Wow" of the episode centers on the intensity of human snoring. Mindy presents the surprising fact that some humans can snore louder than a jackhammer. According to the Guinness Book of World Records, a British grandmother named Jenny Chapman set an extraordinary record with snores reaching approximately 111.6 decibels. For context, the hosts explain that a jackhammer typically clocks in at about 100 decibels, making the human snore a surprisingly potent source of noise pollution.

Challenging Sound Perception: Claps and Barks

The hosts utilize the game show format to debunk myths regarding sound intensity.

  • The Power of a Clap: While many assume thunder is always the loudest sound, the show highlights Alistair Galpin, who holds the record for the loudest hand clap at 113 decibels. The hosts explain that thunderclaps, which range from 100 to 120 decibels, are highly variable depending on the observer's proximity to the storm and the temperature of the air, as "sound travels faster in warm air."

  • The Bark Heard Round the World: The show also touches upon the vocal capabilities of canines. While a jet engine taking off measures at roughly 150 decibels, the record-holding bark of a golden retriever named Charlie reached 113.1 decibels. This intensity level is sufficient to be heard over heavy machinery like lawnmowers, tractors, and garbage trucks, illustrating that certain biological sounds can rival mechanical ones.

Biological Mechanisms of Hearing

Before diving into the game show, Mindy provides a fascinating look at how different species perceive their environment. She discusses how snakes "hear with their jaws," picking up vibrations from the ground and transmitting them to their brains as sound—a process compared to how elephants utilize their feet to detect seismic vibrations. This segment serves as a lighthearted introduction to the broader theme of acoustic sensitivity in the animal kingdom.

Conclusion: Operation Safe and Sound

The episode concludes with a call to action titled "Operation Safe and Sound." Mindy and Guy encourage their listeners to practice mindful listening by finding a quiet space and documenting the ambient sounds around them—whether it be "leaves rustling" or a "cat purring." By fostering this curiosity, the show encourages young listeners to use these observations to fuel their creativity and build their own imaginative worlds. Through these interactive segments, Wow in the World continues to bridge the gap between complex scientific phenomena and accessible, entertaining education for children.

🎯Key Sentences

1
It's going to be a November to remember.
2
But for now, let's get on with the show.
3
Why wouldn't I be okay?
4
we don't have time to discuss what is or is not inside my garage
5
Mindy, why don't you refresh our contestants on how the game works?
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📝Key Phrases

1
music to your ears
2
get on with the show
3
watch out
4
try it out
5
pick up vibrations
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📖 Transcript

Grownups, Wondery Plus subscribers can listen to Wow in the World early and ad-free right now.
Join Wondery Plus in the Wondery app or Wondery Kids Plus on Apple Podcasts.
Hey, Wowzer fans, Mindy here.
And before we start the show, I gotta let you know that this November, with a special new episode featuring our friends at Circle Round and Terrestrials on Radiolab for Kids,
And don't miss when Elmo from Sesame Street stops by Wow in the World to make us all belly laugh on November 24th.
Oh, but that's not all, Reg.

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