College Physics (7th Edition)

Published by Pearson
ISBN 10: 0-32160-183-1
ISBN 13: 978-0-32160-183-4

Chapter 14 - Sound - Learning Path Questions and Exercises - Conceptual Questions - Page 522: 9

Answer

$I=0.1I_{0}$

Work Step by Step

Yes. There can be negative decibel level. The sound intensity level is a log scale for comparison of sound intensity and threshold of hearing. Intensity level = $beta$=$10log\frac{I}{I_{0}}$ $I$ being the sound intensity. Having a negative beta would mean that the sound intensity is lower than the threshold of hearing. For example, $-10=10log\frac{I}{I_{0}}$ So, $I=0.1I_{0}$
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