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Examples of Common Sounds and Their Decibel Levels
The decibel (dB) scale illustrates the intensity of everyday sounds, starting from the human hearing threshold at 0 dB. Quieter sounds include rustling leaves (20 dB), a whisper (30 dB), soft music (40 dB), and a refrigerator (45 dB). A normal conversation registers at about 60 dB. Louder sounds that can pose a risk to hearing include heavy city traffic (85 dB), a motorcycle (95 dB), and earbuds at maximum volume (105 dB). Extremely loud sounds include a music concert (120 dB), jets (130 dB), and firearms, which can reach 150 dB.

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Examples of Common Sounds and Their Decibel Levels
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An audio engineer at a concert increases the sound level from 70 dB to 90 dB. Which statement best analyzes the change in the sound's physical intensity and how it is perceived by the audience?
A sound increases in intensity from 30 dB to 50 dB. A second, much louder sound increases from 90 dB to 110 dB. How does the perceived change in loudness for the first sound compare to the perceived change for the second sound?