Sound and Music: Audio Guided Solution

Waves, Sound and Light: Sound and Music

For the following decibel levels, determine the corresponding sound intensity levels in W/m².
a. 50 dBel
b. 90 dBel
c. 110 dBel

a. 1.0 x 10^-7 W/m²
b. 1.0 x 10^-3 W/m²
c. 1.0 x 10^-1 W/m²

Read the problem carefully and develop a mental picture of the physical situation. If necessary, sketch a simple diagram of the physical situation to help you visualize it.
Identify the known and unknown quantities and record in an organized manner, often times they can be recorded on the diagram itself. Equate given values to the symbols used to represent the corresponding quantity (e.g., v = 345 m/s, λ = 1.28 m, f = ???).
Use physics formulas and conceptual reasoning to plot a strategy for solving for the unknown quantity.
Identify the appropriate formula(s) to use.
Perform substitutions and algebraic manipulations in order to solve for the unknown quantity.

Get more information on the topic of Sound and Music at The Physics Classroom Tutorial.

Return to Overview

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 30 | 31 | 32