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What is the ratio of intensities of two sounds of identical frequency if the first is just barely discernible as louder to a person than the second?

a) (I_1/I_2 = 2.00)
b) (I_1/I_2 = 1.26)
c) (I_1/I_2 = 1.00)
d) (I_1/I_2 = 0.80)

User Dmityugov
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1 Answer

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Final answer:

The ratio of intensities of two sounds with identical frequency, where the first sound is just barely discernible as louder to a person than the second, is approximately 2.00.

Step-by-step explanation:

The ratio of intensities of two sounds with identical frequency, where the first sound is just barely discernible as louder than the second, is given by the formula I_1/I_2 = 10^(ΔL/10), where ΔL is the difference in sound intensity levels.

The ratio of intensities of two sounds with identical frequency, where the first sound is just barely discernible as louder to a person than the second, is approximately 2.00.

In this case, if the first sound is just barely discernible as louder to a person than the second, the ΔL is approximately 3 dB. Therefore, the ratio of intensities is I_1/I_2 ≈ 10^(3/10) ≈ 1.995.

So, the correct option is (a) (I_1/I_2 = 2.00).

User Nikan
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