1. What is the Decibel Scale?

The decibel (dB) scale is a logarithmic unit used to measure sound intensity levels. It compares the intensity of a sound wave to a reference intensity (I₀ = 10⁻¹² W/m²), which is approximately the threshold of human hearing.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the decibel formula:

Where:

• \( L \) — Sound level in decibels (dB)
• \( I \) — Sound intensity (W/m²)
• \( I_0 \) — Reference intensity (10⁻¹² W/m²)

Explanation: The logarithmic scale compresses the wide range of sound intensities that humans can hear into a more manageable numerical range.

3. Importance of Sound Level Measurement

Details: Accurate sound level measurement is crucial for hearing protection, noise pollution assessment, audio engineering, and compliance with occupational safety standards.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter sound intensity in W/m². The value must be greater than 0. Common sound intensities range from 10⁻¹² W/m² (threshold of hearing) to 1 W/m² (threshold of pain).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the reference intensity I₀?
A: I₀ = 10⁻¹² W/m² is the standard reference intensity, representing the threshold of human hearing at 1000 Hz.

Q2: What are typical decibel levels?
A: Whisper: 20-30 dB, Normal conversation: 60-70 dB, City traffic: 80-85 dB, Rock concert: 110-120 dB, Jet engine: 140-150 dB.

Q3: Why use a logarithmic scale?
A: Human perception of sound intensity is logarithmic. The decibel scale better matches how we perceive changes in loudness.

Q4: What is the threshold of pain?
A: Approximately 120-130 dB, though this varies between individuals. Prolonged exposure above 85 dB can cause hearing damage.

Q5: How does distance affect sound intensity?
A: Sound intensity decreases with the square of the distance from the source (inverse square law).