By what factor is the intensity of sound at a rock concert louder than that of a whisper when the two intensity levels are 120 dB and 20 dB respectively? A) 10¹² B) 10⁸ C) 10⁶ D) 10¹⁰ E) 10¹¹

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The difference in sound level between the two intensity levels is 120 dB - 20 dB = 100 dB. We know that a 10 dB increase in sound level corresponds to a 10-fold increase in intensity. Therefore, a 100 dB increase corresponds to a 10^10 fold increase in intensity. Using exponential notation, this can be written as 10^(100/10) = 10^10. So, the intensity of sound at a rock concert is 10^10 times louder than that of a whisper. Therefore, the correct answer is (D) 10¹⁰.

By What Factor Is the Intensity of Sound at a Rock