Measuring Intensity and Loudness (Decibels)

Measuring Intensity and Loudness

When discussing sound, we often use the terms “intensity” and “loudness,” but in science, they have distinct meanings. Sound intensity is the amount of energy a sound wave carries through a certain area. It's measured in units called decibels (dB). Loudness, on the other hand, is how we per...

Loudness is how our ears sense the strength of a sound, but it’s not exactly the same as sound intensity.

Sound intensity is the amount of energy a sound wave carries each second through a certain area.

We measure sound intensity level using a unit called the decibel, or dB.

The decibel scale is logarithmic. Physica...