TEST TOMORROW ! i just need a little help with this because...i was gone the day we learned this ...thanks :)

Question

Sound in decibels is measured by comparing the sound intensity, I, to a benchmark sound I_o with intensity 10^-16 watts/cm², then noise level in decibels = 10log(I/I_o)

1) the noise level of a whisper is 30dB. Compute the sound intensity of a whisper.

2) Death of hearing tissue begins to occur at a noise level of 180 dB. Compute the sounds intensity at this noise level.

 

 

THANKS !!!! :)

 

 

 

Answer 1

30 dB = 10 log (I/1E-16) and solve for I in W/cm^2

 

180 dB = 10 log (I/1E-16) and solve for I again in W/cm^2