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 intensity level in decibels (dB) is calculated using the formula: $ L = 10 \log_{10}(\frac{I}{I_0}) $. The difference in intensity levels is 120 dB - 20 dB = 100 dB. This corresponds to a factor of $ 10^{(100/10)} = 10^{10} $.

By What Factor Is the Intensity of Sound at a Rock