What sound level change corresponds to a factor of two change in intensity?
A)0.5 dB
B)2 dB
C)3 dB
D)5 dB

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The sound level change that corresponds to a factor of two change in intensity is 3 dB. This is because sound intensity is proportional to the square of the sound pressure, and a factor of 2 increase in intensity corresponds to a √2 (or approximately 1.4) increase in sound pressure. The logarithmic nature of the decibel scale means that a 1.4 increase in sound pressure corresponds to a 3 dB increase in sound level.

What Sound Level Change Corresponds to a Factor of Two