Question

The equation relates the sound level, , in decibels (dB), of a noise with an intensity of I to the smallest sound intensity that can be heard by the human ear, (approximately watts/meter2).

The maximum intensity of a car horn is approximately 0. 01 watts/meter2. Based on this information, which value is closest to the maximum sound level, in decibels, of a car horn?
.


100 dB



10 dB



1,000 dB



10,000 dB

Answer 1

The equation relates the sound level, in decibels (dB), of a noise with an intensity of I to the smallest sound intensity that can be heard by the human ear, which is approximately 1 x 10^-12 watts/meter2.

Using this equation and the given maximum intensity of a car horn (0.01 watts/meter2), we can find the maximum sound level in decibels:

Sound level = 10 log (0.01/1 x 10^-12)
Sound level = 10 log (1 x 10^10)
Sound level = 100 dB

Therefore, the value that is closest to the maximum sound level in decibels of a car horn is 100 dB.