The sound level at a point is increased by 30 decibels. By what factor is the amplitude increased ?

1 Answer
Scott F.
Jan 2, 2018

1000

Explanation:

The bel is defined logarithmically, meaning an increase of 1 bel indicates the amplitude increasing by a factor of 10. Since 10 decibels = 1 bel, an increase of 10 decibels indicates the amplitude increasing by a factor of 10.

Since 30 decibels is 3 lots of 10 decibels, the amplitude is increased by 3 factors of 10, or #10^3=1000#.

In general, an increase of #n# decibels indicates an increase in amplitude by a factor of #10^(n/10)#.

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