Final answer:
The rate P at which sound energy hits your eardrum can be calculated by multiplying the intensity by the area of the eardrum. The power output P0 required from a point source to create the same intensity at your eardrum can be calculated using the inverse square law for sound intensity.
Step-by-step explanation:
The rate P at which sound energy hits your eardrum can be calculated by multiplying the intensity by the area of the eardrum. P = intensity × area
Substituting the given values: P = 0.0040 W/m^2 × 51 mm^2 = 0.204 W
To calculate the power output P0 required from a point source that is 1.9 m away to create the same intensity at your eardrum, we need to use the inverse square law for sound intensity.
Intensity follows an inverse square relationship with distance, so P0 = P × (distance_eardrum/distance_source)^2
Substituting the given values: P0 = 0.204 W × (1.9 m / 1 m)^2 = 0.721 W