Decibel Comparison Formulas for Sound Levels

  • Thread starter Thread starter vertciel
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Comparison
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating sound level differences using decibel (dB) formulas. Specifically, participants seek to determine how many times louder or softer a sound at 68 dB and 0.3 dB is compared to a sound level of 40 dB. The key formula involves logarithmic calculations, where the intensity of sound is expressed as I = 10^(dB/10) * I0. For example, 60 dB is 100 times louder than 40 dB, as shown by I = 10^(60/10) * I0 = 10^6 * I0.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of logarithmic functions
  • Familiarity with sound intensity concepts
  • Knowledge of decibel scale and its applications
  • Basic mathematical skills for calculations
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the formula for calculating sound intensity in decibels
  • Learn about the relationship between sound intensity and decibel levels
  • Explore examples of sound level comparisons using logarithmic calculations
  • Investigate the definition and applications of the Bel and decibel units
USEFUL FOR

Acoustics students, audio engineers, sound technicians, and anyone interested in understanding sound level measurements and comparisons.

vertciel
Messages
62
Reaction score
0
Hello everyone,

Could anyone please show me the appropriate formulas which I need for the following question?

1. How many times louder or softer than sound level of 40 dB is a sound at

a) 68 dB? b) 0.3 dB?


Thank you.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Thanks for your reply.

I know how to calculate the difference in sound level for integers divisible by 10. For example, 60 dB is 10^2 or 100 times louder than 40 dB.

However, I know that I must use logarithms for calculating the difference in sound level for all other integers.
 
Well look at the example of 40 dB

I = 10000 I0, or I = 10^{40dB/10} I0 = 10000 I0

and for 60 dB, I = 10^{60dB/10} I0 = 106I0

and for 68 dB, ____________?
 
Thank you very much for your help!
 

Similar threads

Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
6K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
1K
Replies
16
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
4K
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
7K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
5K