By what amount does the sound intensity decrease when the distance to the source doubles?
A)1.4 dB
B)2 dB
C)4 dB
D)6.0 dB
E)0.25 dB

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The decrease in sound intensity is related to the inverse square of the distance. When the distance doubles, the intensity decreases by a factor of four (2^2). Each factor of four reduction corresponds to a decrease of 6 dB, so when the distance doubles, the intensity decreases by 6 dB. Therefore, the correct answer is D.

By What Amount Does the Sound Intensity Decrease When the Distance