Decibels
Decibels (dB) are a unit of measurement used to express the intensity of sound. The scale is logarithmic, meaning that an increase of 10 dB represents a tenfold increase in sound intensity. For example, a sound measured at 30 dB is ten times more intense than one at 20 dB. Common sounds include a whisper at about 30 dB and a lawnmower at around 90 dB.
Decibels are also used in other fields, such as electronics and telecommunications, to measure power levels. In these contexts, a change of 3 dB typically indicates a doubling or halving of power. Understanding decibels is essential for managing sound levels in various environments, from concert halls to workplaces.