In: Physics
A person standing 1.00 m from a portable speaker hears its sound at an intensity of 7.50 × 10−3 W/m2 .
(a) Find the corresponding decibel level.
(b) Find the sound intensity at a distance of 35.0 m, assuming the sound propagates as a spherical wave.
(c) Find the decibel level at a distance of 35.0 m.
Initial distance of the person from the portable speaker = R1 = 1 m
Sound intensity at this distance = I1 = 7.5 x 10-3 W/m2
Sound intensity level at this distance = 1
1 =
98.75 dB
New distance from the portable speaker = R2 = 35 m
Sound intensity at this new distance = I2
Sound propagates as a spherical wave therefore the power is equally distributed in a spherical manner.
I1(4R12)
= I2(4
R22)
I1R12 = I2R22
(7.5x10-3)(1)2 = I2(35)2
I2 = 6.122 x 10-6 W/m2
Sound intensity level at this new distance = 2
2 =
67.87 dB
a) Decibel level at a distance of 1 m = 98.75 dB
b) Sound intensity at a distance of 35 m = 6.122 x 10-6 W/m2
c) Decibel level at a distance of 35 m = 67.87 dB