Calculating Acoustic Pressure: Threshold of Pain for the Ear

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating the acoustic pressure corresponding to the threshold of pain for the human ear, which is defined as 130 dB. Using the formula L = 20 log(P/Po), where Po is 2 x 10-5 Pa, the correct acoustic pressure is determined to be 63 Pa. This value represents approximately 0.06% of atmospheric pressure, which is 101 kPa. The correct answer options provided were 2%, 200%, and 0.2%, indicating a misunderstanding in the initial calculations.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of decibel (dB) scale in acoustics
  • Familiarity with logarithmic calculations
  • Knowledge of atmospheric pressure and its standard value
  • Basic principles of sound pressure levels
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Homework Statement



Atmospheric pressure is 101 kPa. Compute the acoustic pressure that corresponds to the threshold of pain for the ear. What percentage of atmospheric pressure is this?


Homework Equations



L=20log(P/Po)

Po is a constant = 2x 10-5
threshold of pain for the ear=130db

The Attempt at a Solution



I'm getting 63 Pa (or 0.06%) for the acoustic pressure but it doesn't correspond to the answer which is one of the following.

2%
200%
0.2%

Thanks!
 
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Turns out my calculation were wrong, I got the answer.
 

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