University Physics with Modern Physics (14th Edition)

Published by Pearson
ISBN 10: 0321973615
ISBN 13: 978-0-32197-361-0

Chapter 16 - Sound and Hearing - Problems - Discussion Questions - Page 537: Q16.12

Answer

The inverse-square relationship is no longer strictly true.

Work Step by Step

If the distance between the sound emitter and the sound receiver is doubled, the inverse square law predicts that the sound intensity $I$ is reduced by exactly a factor of 4 (equation 15.26). In reality, energy absorption by air means that for a given source power and receiver distance, the received sound will be (slightly) weaker than that predicted by the ideal inverse-square law.
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