Sound Level (Decibels)

\beta = 10\log_{10}\frac{I}{I_0}

Logarithmic scale for sound intensity.

Variables

β

Sound level

In decibels

dB

I

Intensity

Sound intensity

W/m²

I₀

Reference intensity

10⁻¹² W/m²

W/m²

Derivation

β = 10 log₁₀(I/I₀) where I₀ = 10⁻¹² W/m².

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