[d] A sound of Y decibels has how much intensity in watts per square meter? (Show your calculations.) Is that enough to damage your hearing?

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Chapter1: Units, Trigonometry. And Vectors
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Y=1.5

**Question:**

A sound of Y decibels has how much intensity in watts per square meter? (Show your calculations.) Is that enough to damage your hearing?

---

**Explanation:**

In order to determine the intensity of a sound in watts per square meter given a certain decibel level \( Y \), you can use the following formula:

\[ I = 10^{(L_dB - 120) / 10} \]

Where:
- \( I \) is the intensity in watts per square meter.
- \( L_dB \) is the sound level in decibels.

### Steps for Calculation:

1. **Convert the Decibel Level to Intensity:**
   - Use the given decibel value \( Y \) in the formula above.
   - Example: If \( Y = 80 \) decibels,
     \[ I = 10^{(80 - 120) / 10} = 10^{-4} \]
     \[ I = 0.0001 \, \text{W/m}^2 \]

2. **Assess the Potential for Hearing Damage:**
   - Typically, intensities above 0.001 W/m² can be harmful with prolonged exposure.
   - Note that the threshold for pain or immediate danger to hearing is around 1 W/m².

By performing these calculations, you can determine if the given sound intensity could potentially cause hearing damage based on scientific thresholds and guidelines for safe exposure levels.
Transcribed Image Text:**Question:** A sound of Y decibels has how much intensity in watts per square meter? (Show your calculations.) Is that enough to damage your hearing? --- **Explanation:** In order to determine the intensity of a sound in watts per square meter given a certain decibel level \( Y \), you can use the following formula: \[ I = 10^{(L_dB - 120) / 10} \] Where: - \( I \) is the intensity in watts per square meter. - \( L_dB \) is the sound level in decibels. ### Steps for Calculation: 1. **Convert the Decibel Level to Intensity:** - Use the given decibel value \( Y \) in the formula above. - Example: If \( Y = 80 \) decibels, \[ I = 10^{(80 - 120) / 10} = 10^{-4} \] \[ I = 0.0001 \, \text{W/m}^2 \] 2. **Assess the Potential for Hearing Damage:** - Typically, intensities above 0.001 W/m² can be harmful with prolonged exposure. - Note that the threshold for pain or immediate danger to hearing is around 1 W/m². By performing these calculations, you can determine if the given sound intensity could potentially cause hearing damage based on scientific thresholds and guidelines for safe exposure levels.
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