Comparing Sounds: 80 dB, 30 dB, and 50 dB

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A sound at 80 dB is 32 times louder than a sound at 50 dB, while a sound at 30 dB is 1/32 times quieter than a sound at 50 dB. The decibel scale is logarithmic, meaning each 10 dB increase represents a tenfold increase in intensity. To calculate the "times louder" or "quieter," the formula R = 10*log(P1/P2) is used, where P1 and P2 represent sound power levels. Understanding this logarithmic relationship is crucial for accurately comparing sound levels.
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Homework Statement



How many times quiter or louder is a sound at
1. 80 dB
2. 30 dB
than a sound 50 dB


Homework Equations



dB2=dB1-dB2?

The Attempt at a Solution



Would this just mean

1. 30 dB louder
2. 2 dB softer?

Or how would I finds "times louder".
Sorry for bad english.
 
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homevolend said:

Homework Statement



How many times quiter or louder is a sound at
1. 80 dB
2. 30 dB
than a sound 50 dB


Homework Equations



dB2=dB1-dB2?

The Attempt at a Solution



Would this just mean

1. 30 dB louder
2. 2 dB softer?

Or how would I finds "times louder".
Sorry for bad english.

dB or deciBells are a logarithmic way of expressing ratios:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Decibel

For sound power (loudness), the equation is R = 10*log(P1/P2)

So if P1 is equal to P2, the ratio R is 0db.

If P1 is equal to 10 * P2, the ratio R is 10dB.

Makes sense?
 

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