At an outdoor bandstand, what would be the difference in the sound intensity level dB) received by a listener 5 m from the bandstand and a listener 40 m from the bandstand, assuming there is no sound reflection? [ = 10 logI/I₀)] A) 8 dB B) 9 dB C) 10 dB D) 18 dB E) The answer depends on how loudly the band plays.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The sound intensity level decreases by 6 dB for each doubling of distance from the source. So, the difference in distance between 5 m and 40 m is 2^3 or 8 times the distance. Therefore, the intensity level at 40 m will be 6 dB lower than at 5 m. Thus, the difference in intensity level is 6 dB x 3 = 18 dB.

At an Outdoor Bandstand, What Would Be the Difference in the Sound