If the distance between a point sound source and a dB detector is increased by a factor of 4,what will be the reduction in intensity level?
A)16 dB
B)12 dB
C)4 dB
D)0.5 dB

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The reduction in intensity level is determined by the inverse square law, which states that sound intensity decreases by the square of the distance from the source. Therefore, if the distance is increased by a factor of 4, the intensity level will be reduced by a factor of 4^2 = 16. Given that 10*log(16)≈20 dB, the reduction in intensity level will be 20 dB, which is the nearest option. Hence, the correct choice is B.

If the Distance Between a Point Sound Source and a DB