Ear Damage from a Small Firecracker

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the peak intensity of sound emitted by a small firecracker, specifically focusing on the relationship between power and intensity in a three-dimensional context.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to calculate the intensity using the formula for intensity in decibels, but questions arise regarding the definition of the area used in the calculation.

Discussion Status

Participants are exploring the implications of defining the area for sound waves, with some suggesting that the original poster may have misapplied the concept of area in relation to spherical wave propagation.

Contextual Notes

There is an ongoing discussion about the assumptions made regarding the geometry of sound wave propagation, specifically whether to consider the area as circular or spherical.

hotmail590
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Lets say there is a small firecracker that emits 1200 of peak power.
What is the peak intensity B in decibels at a distance of 1 m from the firecracker?


This is what i have tried:

B = 10log(I/Io)

I = 1200/pi Since I = power/area and the area is pir^2, pi(1m)^2

Io=( 10^-12 W/m^2)


So B= 10log([1200/pi] / [10^-12 ]) and i get around 135.83 , however the answer is incorrect


Can someone help please? THank you
 
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Check the way you defined area for waves that propagate in space.
 
So the area is not a circle?
 
No, sound waves are spherical waves and travel in three dimensional space.
 

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