If the intensity of a sound is increased by a factor of 100,how is the decibel level changed? The new decibel level will be:
A)two units greater.
B)double the old one.
C)ten times greater.
D)twenty units greater.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The decibel (dB) scale is logarithmic, meaning that a 10-fold increase in intensity corresponds to an increase of 10 dB. Therefore, a 100-fold increase in intensity (i.e., 10^2) corresponds to an increase of 20 dB (i.e., 10 x 2). Thus, the new decibel level will be 20 units greater. Therefore, the correct answer is option D.

If the Intensity of a Sound Is Increased by a Factor