Chapter 26, Problem 34A

How much more intense is a close whisper than a sound at the threshold of hearing?

To determine

The quantitative difference between the close whisper and sound at the threshold of hearing is to be determined.

Answer to Problem 34A

A close whisper is $\text{100}$ times more intense than a sound at the threshold of hearing.

Explanation of Solution

Introduction: The sound is measured in the units of decibels. A whispering sound is stronger than the threshold of hearing.

A close whisper sound is $\text{20 dB}$ more intense than the sound at the threshold of hearing. An intensity level of $\text{20 dB}$ means that it is $\text{100}$ times more intense than the sound at the threshold of hearing. Thus, one has to be very careful while listening to music using earphones, they can potentially damage our ears.

Conclusion: A whisper sound is $\text{20 dB}$ stronger than at the threshold of hearing.