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Example 10.26: Calculating the Decibel Level of Earphones

Extended exposure to noise that measures 8585 dB can cause permanent damage to the inner ear. To find the decibel level of music coming through earphones with an intensity of 10210^{-2} watts per square inch, substitute this intensity, II, into the decibel formula D = 10 \log\left(\frac{I}{10^{-12}} ight). This yields D = 10 \log\left(\frac{10^{-2}}{10^{-12}} ight). Simplifying the fraction using properties of exponents gives D=10log(1010)D = 10 \log(10^{10}). Since log1010=10\log 10^{10} = 10, the equation becomes D=1010D = 10 \cdot 10. Thus, the decibel level of the music is 100100 dB.

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Updated 2026-05-26

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