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

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In summary, deciBells (dB) are a logarithmic way of expressing ratios for sound power. The equation is R = 10*log(P1/P2), where R is the ratio and P1 and P2 are the sound powers. A sound at 80 dB is 30 dB louder than a sound at 50 dB, and 2 dB softer than a sound at 30 dB.
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homevolend
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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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  • #2
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?
 

1. What do the numbers 80 dB, 30 dB, and 50 dB represent?

These numbers represent the loudness or intensity of a sound, measured in decibels (dB). The higher the number, the louder the sound.

2. How does 80 dB compare to 30 dB and 50 dB?

80 dB is significantly louder than 30 dB and slightly louder than 50 dB. To put it in perspective, 80 dB is about the level of sound made by a vacuum cleaner, while 30 dB is closer to the sound of a whisper.

3. Can sounds at 80 dB, 30 dB, and 50 dB cause hearing damage?

Yes, prolonged exposure to sounds at 80 dB or above can cause permanent hearing damage. Sounds at 30 dB and 50 dB are less likely to cause damage, but it's still important to protect your ears from all levels of loud sounds.

4. How do these sounds compare to common everyday noises?

80 dB is equivalent to the sound of a busy street or a garbage disposal, while 30 dB is similar to a quiet library or a soft whisper. 50 dB is closer to the sound of a refrigerator or a moderate rainfall.

5. Are there any other factors that affect the loudness of a sound besides decibel level?

Yes, in addition to decibel level, the distance from the sound source, the frequency of the sound, and the environment (e.g. open space vs enclosed room) can also affect the perceived loudness of a sound.

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