Sound Intensity and the DeciBel Scale
The Intensity and deciBels Video Tutorial explains what sound intensity is and how it is dependent upon distance from the source. The concept and mathematics of deciBels are presented with several examples to illustrate how the deciBel scale works. Numerous examples, illustrations, and animations assist in the explanations.
The video lesson answers the following questions:
- What is the relationship between the intensity of sound and distance from the source?
- How does the deciBel system work?
Video
You can watch the video below, or click here to watch on YouTube (opens in a new tab).
To improve the effectiveness of the learning experience, The Physics Classroom has provided the following tools:
Additional and Related Learning Tools
Minds On Physics, Sound and Music Module, Mission SM3 -Sound Intensity and deciBel Levels
A Minds On Physics mission is always a great follow-up to a lesson. Give this one a try once you think you have a handle on the relationships between intensity, power, energy, distance, and the deciBel rating.
Concept Builders, Waves and Sound Chapter - DeciBel Scale
Need practice with deciBels? This is the place to visit. You will find a collection of problems like those from Slide 7 of the presentation. Great practice is waiting for you.
The Calculator Pad, Sound Waves Chapter: Problem Sets SM6, SM7, and SM8
The equation for calculating the deciBel rating as described and used on Slide 8 may require that you provide yourself with additional practice. Our Calculator Pad is a great place to get it. Test your problem solving ability with one of our three problem sets.
Science Reasoning Center, Sound Waves Chapter: Sound Intensity and the DeciBel System
A Science Reasoning Center activity is a great place to sharpen your science process skills. Learn to interpret data and read graphs and draw conclusions that are supported by evidence. This activity is all about the same topic as the video.
Physics Tutorial, Sound Waves and Music Chapter: Intensity and the deciBel Scale
This video tutorial was motivated by Lesson 2 of our written tutorial The written tutorial provides a great location for a student to quickly review the key ideas.
Teacher Resources
Curriculum Corner: Sound and Music Chapter: Sound Intensity and the DeciBel System
Our Think Sheets are useful in-class tools for processing a concept. This one-page Think Sheet provides a great review of the concepts of intensity and deciBels.
Minds On Physics, Sound and Music Module, Mission SM3 -Sound Intensity and deciBel Levels
A Minds On Physics mission will always give a student a strenuous workout in close reading, critical thinking, and conceptual reasoning. When you feel students have a grasp of the concepts, it's time to test their understanding with a MOP mission. This particular one is closely correlated to the video. Use it with Task Tracker and grab student scores after the due date.
Concept Builders, Waves and Sound Chapter - DeciBel Scale
Do your students need practice with deciBels? This is the place to send them. You will find a collection of conceptual questions like those from Slide 7 of the presentation. Great practice is waiting for you. And if you have a Task Tracker account, you can make it an at-home assignment and gather the schools when the assignment is over.
The Calculator Pad, Sound Waves Chapter: Problem Sets SM6, SM7, and SM8
The equation for calculating the deciBel rating as described and used on Slide 8 may require that students have additional practice. Our Calculator Pad is a great place to get practice problems with immediate feedback and multiple opportunities for correction. There's three problem sets with varying degrees of difficulty ... something for every one. Check it out!
Science Reasoning Center, Sound Waves Chapter: Sound Intensity and the deciBel System
A Science Reasoning Center activity is a great place to sharpen students' science process skills. They will learn to interpret data and read graphs and draw conclusions that are supported by evidence. This activity is all about the same topic as the video. And if you like this one, you will find another activity on the equal loudness curves and the phon scale.
Physics Tutorial, Sound Waves and Music Chapter: Intensity and the deciBel Scale
This video tutorial was motivated by Lesson 2 of our written tutorial. The written tutorial provides a great location for a student to quickly review the key ideas.
Lesson Notes
Download (opens in a new tab) or view below
Slides
Do you like the slides we used? They are available in our low cost Teacher Presentation Pack, along with other updated materials used in our presentation.