Question

Is the total volume proportional to the number of sound sources? What happens to the loudness when playing a sound sample using 4 identical devices instead of one? Will it get 4 times louder?

A) Yes, it gets 4 times louder.
B) No, it remains the same.
C) Yes, it gets 16 times louder.
D) No, it gets quieter.

Answer 1

No, the total volume is not proportional to the number of sound sources. Using 4 identical devices instead of one will increase the sound intensity level by about 6 dB, resulting in a slightly louder sound.

Step-by-step explanation:

No, the total volume is not proportional to the number of sound sources. When playing a sound sample using 4 identical devices instead of one, the loudness does not get 4 times louder. The increase in the number of devices leads to an increase in the sound intensity level, not the loudness. The sound intensity level is measured in decibels (dB), and each 10 dB increase represents a factor of 10 increase in intensity. As a result, using 4 identical devices will increase the sound intensity level by about 6 dB, which corresponds to a near doubling of intensity. This will make the sound seem slightly louder, but not 4 times louder.