Final answer:
The dynamic range refers to the range of sound intensities that the human ear can respond to, from the threshold of hearing to sounds that cause damage. It is measured in decibels (dB) and represents the remarkable sensitivity of the ear to a wide range of sound intensities.
Step-by-step explanation:
The dynamic range refers to the range of intensities or values that a system or device can handle. In the context of hearing, it represents the range of sound intensities that the human ear can respond to, from the threshold of hearing to sounds that cause damage. This range is remarkable, with a factor of 10-12, meaning the ear can detect sound intensities that differ by a factor of one trillion.
As mentioned in the provided information, the decibel (dB) scale is commonly used to measure sound intensity levels which fit our experience better than intensities in watts per meter squared. A change of 3 dB is easily noticeable by a person, and a difference of 1 dB can be discerned. The factor of 10-12 in sound intensity levels illustrates the incredible sensitivity and dynamic range of the human ear.
Dynamic range is the ratio between the largest and smallest values that a certain quantity can assume. It is often used in the context of signals, like sound and light. It is measured either as a ratio or as a base-10 or base-2 logarithmic value of the difference between the smallest and largest signal values.