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Avaron Cooper
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Does the ability of an observer to hear a sound wave depends solely upon the intensity of the sound wave?
Audibility depends on the intensity but also very strongly on the frequency. There are some curves called the Fletcher-Munson audibility curves showing this. The maximum audibility is at something like 3 kHz. But the curves differ depending on intensity, so that at low listening levels the low and high frequencies fall off even more. That is why music lacks bass and treble if played quietly.Drakkith said:I would say intensity is the largest factor, as long as the frequency is within hearing range.
Intensity is a measure of the amount of energy that is carried by a sound wave. It is directly related to the amplitude, or height, of the wave and is measured in decibels (dB).
Higher intensity sound waves are perceived as louder, while lower intensity sound waves are perceived as softer. Our ears are sensitive to a wide range of intensities, and different sounds can have varying levels of intensity.
Yes, intensity can impact the quality of a sound. Higher intensity sounds tend to have more distinct and noticeable features, while lower intensity sounds may be more difficult to distinguish. This is because the intensity affects the strength and clarity of the vibrations that our ears pick up.
Intensity is typically measured in decibels (dB), which is a logarithmic scale. This means that small changes in decibel levels can represent large changes in intensity. For example, a sound that is 10 dB louder is actually 10 times more intense.
Yes, the intensity of a sound wave decreases as the distance from the source increases. This is because the energy of the sound wave is spread out over a larger area as it travels, resulting in a decrease in intensity. This is known as the inverse square law of sound.