Final answer:
In physics, 'quiet' typically refers to low levels of sound and is described in terms of amplitude, frequency, and decibels. It suggests an environment with reduced noise, contributing to peace and tranquility. In the context of sound physics, quietness can be quantified by measuring sound intensity levels in decibels.
Step-by-step explanation:
The word "quiet" has multiple meanings depending on the context, but in physics, it often relates to the level of noise or absence thereof. Options (a), (b), and (c) provided in the question allude to the general sense of quietness, which could mean peace and tranquility, reducing the intensity or loudness of one's environment, or even completely eliminating noise by shutting everything down. When we look at quiet in the context of sound physics specifically, we talk about amplitude, frequency, intensity levels, and decibels.
For instance, turning down the volume knob on life can be seen as reducing the amplitude of sound, which results in a quieter environment. Pushing the off button and shutting down everything can result in a complete lack of sound, providing an environment where low-frequency and low-amplitude sounds might be perceptible, such as a leaf falling in a quiet forest. The phrase 'turning down the volume knob' is related to decreasing the amplitude, whereas 'pushing the off button' could be seen as both reducing amplitude and frequency to the point where no sound is generated. In relation to sound intensity, quietness can be described in terms of decibels, which are units used to measure the intensity of sound. A quiet environment ideally would have a lower decibel level, making it more peaceful and less harmful to hearing. It's important in areas with high noise exposure to wear proper ear protection to prevent hearing damage. The intensity level or decibel is the term used to describe the loudness of sound, as indicated by the correct answer (b) to question 11.