Chapter 15.1, Problem 9SSC

To determine

To calculate: The number of times the sound pressure level of a typical rock concert ( $\text{110 dB}$ ) is greater than a normal conversation ( $\text{50 dB}$ ).

Answer to Problem 9SSC

The sound pressure level of the rock concert is thousandtimes larger than that of a normal conversation.

Explanation of Solution

Given:

The sound level of a typical rock concert = $\text{110 dB}$

The sound level of a normal conversation = $\text{50 dB}$

Calculation:

As per problem, For every $\text{20 dB}$ increase in sound level, the sound pressure level increases $\text{10 }$ times.

Therefore, the difference in sound level between that of a rock concert and a normal conversation = $\text{110 dB - 50 dB= 60 dB}$

Number of $\text{20 dB}$ increases = $n=\frac{60\text{ dB}}{20\text{ dB}}=3$

Number of times the sound pressure level is larger than that of normal conversation = ${10}^n={10}^3=1000$

Hence, the sound pressure level of rock concert is thousandtimes larger than that of a normal conversation.

Conclusion:

The sound pressure level of rock concert is thousand times larger than that of a normal conversation.