Select the correct answer.
The sound level, β , in decibels (dB), of a sound with an intensity of I is calculated in relation to the threshold of human hearing, I_0
, by this equation.
β = 10log (I/I_0
The threshold of human hearing is 10^-12 watts/meter^2
The sound level of a jet plane is approximately 140 dB. The intensity of the sound of a jet plane is approximately A. 10, B. 100, C. 1000, D. 10000, watts/meter^2
The correct answer is D. 10000 watts/meter^2.
To solve for the intensity of the sound of a jet plane, we can rearrange the equation β = 10log (I/I_0) to solve for I:
β = 10log (I/I_0)
140 = 10log (I/10^-12)
Divide both sides by 10:
14 = log (I/10^-12)
Take the inverse logarithm of both sides:
10^14 = I/10^-12
Multiply both sides by 10^-12:
10^14 * 10^-12 = I
10^2 = I
I = 10000
Therefore, the intensity of the sound of a jet plane is approximately 10000 watts/meter^2.