Exam-style question
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A sound has an intensity of 0.0001 W/m². What is its decibel level?.
- A.40 dB
- B.60 dB
- C.80 dB
- D.100 dB
Model answer
What a good answer should say
- 80 dB
Explanation
Why this works
Using the formula L = 10 log10(I/I0), where I0 = 1.0 x 10^-12 W/m², we substitute I = 0.0001 W/m²: L = 10 log10(0.0001/1.0 x 10^-12) = 10 log10(10^8) = 80 dB.
Common mistake
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