Problem #17: If two people talk simultaneously and each generates an intensity level of 65 dB at a certain point, does the total intensity level at this point equal 130 dB? Account for your answer.
Problem #17: If two people talk simultaneously and each generates an intensity level of 65 dB at a certain point, does the total intensity level at this point equal 130 dB? Account for your answer.
College Physics
11th Edition
ISBN:9781305952300
Author:Raymond A. Serway, Chris Vuille
Publisher:Raymond A. Serway, Chris Vuille
Chapter1: Units, Trigonometry. And Vectors
Section: Chapter Questions
Problem 1CQ: Estimate the order of magnitude of the length, in meters, of each of the following; (a) a mouse, (b)...
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Transcribed Image Text:**Problem #17:** If two people talk simultaneously and each generates an intensity level of 65 dB at a certain point, does the total intensity level at this point equal 130 dB? Account for your answer.
**Explanation:**
When two sound sources combine, their total intensity levels do not simply add together like regular numbers because decibels (dB) are on a logarithmic scale.
- Intensity is proportional to the power of sound.
- The formula to find the total intensity level when combining sources is \( I_{\text{total}} = 10 \cdot \log_{10}(I_1 + I_2) \), where \( I_1 \) and \( I_2 \) are the individual intensities.
In this problem, both sound sources produce 65 dB. The doubling of intensity results in a 3 dB increase, not a doubling of the decibel level. Therefore, when two sources each producing 65 dB are combined, the result is 68 dB, not 130 dB.
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