What is an example of a sound that is intense but not loud?

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SUMMARY

An example of a sound that is intense but not loud is a pure tone at 20 kHz with an intensity of 120 dB SPL. Intensity is a physical property related to the amplitude of sound waves, while loudness is a perceptual quality experienced by humans. Sounds outside the human hearing range can possess high intensity without being perceived as loud. Research on equal loudness curves illustrates the relationship between frequency and amplitude in determining perceived loudness.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of sound wave properties, specifically amplitude and frequency
  • Familiarity with the concept of sound intensity and loudness
  • Knowledge of equal loudness curves and their significance in psychoacoustics
  • Basic grasp of decibel scale (dB SPL) and its application in measuring sound
NEXT STEPS
  • Research psychoacoustics and the relationship between sound frequency and perceived loudness
  • Explore the concept of equal loudness curves in detail
  • Investigate the effects of high-frequency sounds on human perception and physiology
  • Learn about sound intensity measurement techniques and tools
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Acoustics researchers, audio engineers, sound designers, and anyone interested in the physics of sound and human auditory perception.

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What is an example of a sound that is intense but not loud?
 
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Really good question!

Intensity refers to a physical property of the sound wave (related to its amplitude), while loudness is the perceptual quality that is experienced.

http://www.dosits.org/science/whatis/intensity.htm

My guess is that if a pure tone is of a frequency way outside of the human hearing range, it could have a very high amplitude and intensity, but still would not be heard. I'm not sure how far outside normal hearing range you would have to go because psychophysical researchers have found relationships between frequency and amplitude in determining perceived loudness ("equal loudness curves"). Maybe an expert will drop by and provide more insight.
 
i guess an example would be a very "intense" sound (like 120 dB SPL) at 20 kHz. someone my age is likely not to hear it, but it might strip the skin offa you.
 

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