
decibel scale
The decibel (dB) scale measures the intensity or loudness of sounds, but unlike a linear scale, it is logarithmic. This means that a small change in decibels represents a large change in actual sound energy. For example, an increase of 10 dB roughly doubles the perceived loudness, while a 20 dB increase makes a sound about ten times more intense. The scale helps compare sounds across a wide range, from quiet whispering (around 30 dB) to loud concerts (around 120 dB). Overall, decibels provide a practical way to understand and quantify differences in sound levels efficiently.