How Does Sound Intensity Change with Multiple Instruments?

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The sound level of multiple instruments does not simply add together in decibels; rather, sound intensity is what combines. Each instrument contributes to the overall intensity, but the dB scale is logarithmic, meaning that doubling the intensity only increases the sound level by about 3 dB. To find the total sound level when 10 instruments are playing, one must use the appropriate formula that relates sound level in dB to sound intensity. The correct approach involves calculating the total intensity and then converting back to dB. Understanding this relationship is key to solving the problem accurately.
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Homework Statement



The average sound level of a typical musical instrument in a musical group is B dB. WHat is the sound level in Db if 10 instruments are simultaneously playing.

answer choices: B'= 10B, 5B, B+5, B+20, B+2, B+10, B+1, 20B, B, or 2B

My first thought was that it would be 10B since each instrument would contribute a sound level of B. My logic seems too simple. Can someone tell me if I'm on the right path? thanks.
 
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Hi glasshut137,

When you have multiple sound sources, the total sound level in dB does not add (so two 10dB sources do not give a sound level of 20dB). Instead it is the intensity of the sound that adds together.

You should have an expression that relates sound level in dB and sound intensity so that you can convert from one to the other and back. What do you get?
 

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