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Sound Waves and intensity

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JasB19
Radio Wave


USA
21 Posts
Posted - 02/24/2003 :  23:55:07  Show Profile Send a private Message
What attribute of sound waves affects intensity of a sound: the amplitude or the period or both?

Thanks for the help



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dlitt000
Radio Wave


Australia
67 Posts
Posted - 02/25/2003 :  00:15:21  Show Profile  Send a private Message
Amplitude



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emu
Radio Wave


Canada
87 Posts
Posted - 02/25/2003 :  17:27:40  Show Profile  Send a private Message
Sound intensity is a factor of amplitude and distance from the source. It's a measure of acoustical energy per unit area.
The human ear is not as sensitive to all frequencies. It is most sensitive around 1-3 KHz (depending on if you're a man or woman). When we consider the person's reaction to the sound intensity, we call it loudness. Loudness is a factor of amplitude, frequency and distance from the source.
It is sometimes difficult to understand the difference, although it's quite simple. Sound intensity is a purely scientific measurement whereas loudness is a subjective measurement.

Where's the beef?

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russ_watters
Radio Wave


USA
53 Posts
Posted - 02/27/2003 :  18:42:15  Show Profile  Send a private Message
quote:
Sound intensity is a factor of amplitude and distance from the source.

Ehh, its only a factor of distance insofar as amplitude decreases with distance. Its easier to just say amplitude (especially since he didn't ask about distance).



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