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# Problem: If the amplitude of a sound wave is tripled, (a) by what factor will the intensity increase? (b) By how many dB will the sound level increase?

###### FREE Expert Solution

The intensity of a sound wave:

$\overline{){\mathbf{I}}{\mathbf{=}}{\mathbf{2}}{{\mathbf{\pi }}}^{{\mathbf{2}}}{\mathbf{v}}{\mathbf{\rho }}{{\mathbf{f}}}^{{\mathbf{2}}}{{\mathbf{A}}}^{{\mathbf{2}}}}$

For a given wave, the velocity, density, and frequency are the same.

Therefore, intensity, I is directly proportional to A2.

(a)

Given that I1 and I2 are the intensities of the sound wave and A1 and A2 are the amplitudes, then we have:

I1/I2 = (A1/A2)2

###### Problem Details

If the amplitude of a sound wave is tripled, (a) by what factor will the intensity increase? (b) By how many dB will the sound level increase?

What scientific concept do you need to know in order to solve this problem?

Our tutors have indicated that to solve this problem you will need to apply the Sound Waves concept. You can view video lessons to learn Sound Waves. Or if you need more Sound Waves practice, you can also practice Sound Waves practice problems.