Waves, sound, and light

Sound level

β = 10 log(I/I0)

β sound level in dB, I intensity, I0 threshold intensity

Watch forEach 10× intensity adds 10 dB. Doubling distance from a point source quarters intensity (about −6 dB).

Apply it · 2 questions

  1. Decibels: a 100-fold change in intensityLight and sound · set 4 · easy
  2. Sound level when distance doublesLight and sound · set 4 · medium