/*! This file is auto-generated */ .wp-block-button__link{color:#fff;background-color:#32373c;border-radius:9999px;box-shadow:none;text-decoration:none;padding:calc(.667em + 2px) calc(1.333em + 2px);font-size:1.125em}.wp-block-file__button{background:#32373c;color:#fff;text-decoration:none} Problem 12 A sound wave from a siren has an... [FREE SOLUTION] | 91Ó°ÊÓ

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A sound wave from a siren has an intensity of \(100.0 \mathrm{~W} / \mathrm{m}^{2}\) at a certain point, and a second sound wave from a nearby ambulance has an intensity level \(10 \mathrm{~dB}\) greater than the siren's sound wave at the same point. What is the intensity level of the sound wave due to the ambulance?

Short Answer

Expert verified
The intensity level of the sound wave due to the ambulance is 1000 W/m².

Step by step solution

01

Write down the given values and formula to use

We know the intensity \(I_1 = 100 W/m^2\) of the initial sound and the change in dB \(\Delta dB = 10 dB\). The formula to use is: \(\Delta dB = 10 \log_{10} \left( \frac{I_2}{I_1}\right)\)
02

Rearrange formula to isolate \(I_2\)

Rearrange the formula to get \(I_2\) on one side: \(I_2 = I_1 \cdot 10^{(\Delta dB / 10)}\)
03

Substitute known values into the equation and solve

Substitute \(I_1 = 100 W/m^2\) and \(\Delta dB = 10 dB\) into the equation from step 2 and solve for \(I_2\). Therefore, \(I_2 = 100 W/m^2 \cdot 10^{(10 / 10)} = 1000 W/m^2\)

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Key Concepts

These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.

Understanding the Decibel Scale
The decibel (dB) scale is a logarithmic way of expressing sound intensity. It measures the loudness level by comparing it to a reference level, simplifying complex calculations. This scale is particularly useful in acoustic physics since sound intensity changes exponentially.

The decibel scale operates on a base-10 logarithm. So, each 10 dB increase represents a tenfold increase in intensity. For instance, a sound that is 10 dB louder is ten times more intense in its power. Hence, an increase from 100 dB to 110 dB means the sound intensity is multiplied by ten.

The use of the decibel scale helps in managing the wide range of sound levels encountered in nature and technology. It provides an intuitive way of understanding how sound intensity levels can impact us.
Performing Logarithmic Calculations
Logarithmic calculations are essential in interpreting and working with the decibel scale. The formula that relates sound intensity and its decibel measure is given by:
  • \( \,\text{dB} = 10 \log_{10}(\frac{I}{I_0}) \)
where \(I_0\) is a reference intensity, typically the threshold of hearing \( 10^{-12} \mathrm{~W/m^2} \) in air.

When you're dealing with logarithmic functions, understand that they are the inverse of exponential functions. This means that increasing the intensity by a factor results in a simple addition in the decibel scale.

To solve for a change in intensity, rearrange the formula to solve for the final intensity, \( I \), using:
  • \( I_f = I_i \cdot 10^{(\Delta \text{dB}/10)} \)
Logarithmic calculations can seem challenging, but they effectively simplify vastly different scales of measurement.
Exploring Acoustic Physics
Acoustic physics encompasses the study of sound waves, their production, transmission, and effects. Sound is a mechanical wave that requires a medium (like air, water, or solids) to travel.

Intensity in acoustics refers to the power per unit area carried by the wave, measured in watts per square meter \( \mathrm{W/m^2} \). Sound intensity depends on the wave's amplitude and frequency, where higher intensity sounds are often perceived as louder.

Sound waves can vary greatly in intensity. This variability is why sound needs to be measured using a scale like decibels that can handle the many orders of magnitude sound waves can have in intensity.

Detection and measurement of sound intensity are crucial in various fields. It is vital in environments like urban planning, designing concert halls, or setting up audio devices, where controlling sound levels can affect people's experience and health.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

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