Question

If a sound is producing a pressure peak of 5 Pa, what is the intensity of the sound?

A) 10 W/m²
B) 20 W/m²
C) 25 W/m²
D) 50 W/m²

Answer 1

The intensity of a sound wave can be calculated using the formula: Intensity = (Pressure Amplitude)² / 2 * Z, where Z is the characteristic impedance of the medium. Substituting the given values, the intensity of the sound is 25 W/m².

Step-by-step explanation:

To calculate the intensity of a sound wave, we use the formula:

Intensity = (Pressure Amplitude)² / 2 * Z

Where:

• Intensity is the sound intensity in watts per meter squared (W/m²)
• Pressure Amplitude is the pressure peak of the sound wave in pascal (Pa)
• Z is the characteristic impedance of the medium

In air, the characteristic impedance is approximately 340 Ns/m³. Substituting the given values:

Intensity = (5 Pa)² / (2 * 340 Ns/m³) = 25 W/m²

Therefore, the intensity of the sound is 25 W/m² (option C).