Physics and ChemistryLight, Sound, and Other Waves |
What is a decibel? |
A decibel is a measure of the relative loudness or intensity of sound. A 20 decibel sound is 10 times louder than a 10 decibel sound; 30 decibels is 100 times louder, etc. One decibel is the smallest difference between sounds detectable by the human ear.
| Decibel | Level Equivalent |
| 10 | Light whisper |
| 20 | Quiet conversation |
| 30 | Normal conversation |
| 40 | Light traffic |
| 50 | Loud conversation |
| 60 | Noisy office |
| 70 | Normal traffic, quiet train |
| 80 | Rock music, subway |
| 90 | Heavy traffic, thunder |
| 100 | Jet plane at takeoff |