What is the distance difference in sound pressure level (dBSPL) between two locations if one measures 75 dBSPL and the other 69 dBSPL?

What is the distance difference in sound pressure level (dBSPL) between two locations if one measures 75 dBSPL and the other 69 dBSPL?

• A. 2 times farther
• B. 1.5 times farther
• C. 3 times farther
• D. 4 times farther

Answer: (A)

To determine the distance difference in sound pressure level (dBSPL) between two locations, we first need to understand that the sound pressure level in decibels is a logarithmic scale. The difference in dBSPL between two measurements can be calculated using the following understanding: a 10 dB change in level typically corresponds to a tenfold change in intensity (or a doubling or halving of distance). In this case, the two measurements are 75 dBSPL and 69 dBSPL. The difference between them is: 75 dBSPL - 69 dBSPL = 6 dB. A change of 6 dB indicates a significant change in intensity. According to the rule of thumb, a decrease of approximately 6 dB corresponds to a doubling of distance from the sound source. Thus, the measurement at 69 dBSPL is approximately 2 times farther from the sound source than the location measuring 75 dBSPL. This is why the option indicating "2 times farther" is the correct interpretation of the relationship between the two sound levels.

To determine the distance difference in sound pressure level (dBSPL) between two locations, we first need to understand that the sound pressure level in decibels is a logarithmic scale. The difference in dBSPL between two measurements can be calculated using the following understanding: a 10 dB change in level typically corresponds to a tenfold change in intensity (or a doubling or halving of distance).

In this case, the two measurements are 75 dBSPL and 69 dBSPL. The difference between them is:

75 dBSPL - 69 dBSPL = 6 dB.

A change of 6 dB indicates a significant change in intensity. According to the rule of thumb, a decrease of approximately 6 dB corresponds to a doubling of distance from the sound source. Thus, the measurement at 69 dBSPL is approximately 2 times farther from the sound source than the location measuring 75 dBSPL.

This is why the option indicating "2 times farther" is the correct interpretation of the relationship between the two sound levels.