The sound intensity level is reported in decibels. If one doubles the intensity of sound, by what does the perceived loudness, in decibels, change? (a) 2 dB (b) 3 dB (c) 5 dB (d) 10 dB (e) 20 dB
Answers
Answer:
Table 1. Sound Intensity Levels and Intensities
Sound intensity level β (dB) Intensity I(W/m2) Example/effect
0 1 × 10–12 Threshold of hearing at 1000 Hz
10 1 × 10–11 Rustle of leaves
20 1 × 10–10 Whisper at 1 m distance
30 1 × 10–9 Quiet home
40 1 × 10–8 Average home
50 1 × 10–7 Average office, soft music
60 1 × 10–6 Normal conversation
70 1 × 10–5 Noisy office, busy traffic
80 1 × 10–4 Loud radio, classroom lecture
90 1 × 10–3 Inside a heavy truck; damage from prolonged exposure[1]
100 1 × 10–2 Noisy factory, siren at 30 m; damage from 8 h per day exposure
110 1 × 10–1 Damage from 30 min per day exposure
120 1 Loud rock concert, pneumatic chipper at 2 m; threshold of pain
140 1 × 102 Jet airplane at 30 m; severe pain, damage in seconds
160 1 × 104 Bursting