SOLUTION: Please help me answer this question: The intensity level of a sound produced by a machine is increased by 5dB. Will the new intensity of the sound be 5 times the original? Expla

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Question 1154751: Please help me answer this question:
The intensity level of a sound produced by a machine is increased by 5dB. Will the new intensity of the sound be 5 times the original? Explain your answer.
Answer by math_helper(2461) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!



Sound intensity in dB = 10log(I/Io)



where   Io = threshold of hearing (about +10%5E%28-12%29+ W/m^2)





   5dB = 10log(I/Io)

   5/10 = log(I/Io)

   10^(5/10) = I/Io

    3.16  = I/Io    <<<< The sound intensity will be 3.16 times the original.



The rule of thumb when dealing with measurements in dB is this:

For every 3dB increase, you approximately double the intensity.

For every 3dB decrease, you approximately halve the intensity.



This comes from  3dB=10log(I/Io) ==> I/Io = 10^(3/10) = (approx) 1.9953