Question

L = loudness, in decibels (dB); I = sound intensity, in watts/m2; I0 = 10−12 watts/m2

Answer 1

The loudness of a jack hammer is 96 dB. Its sound intensity is about 0.004.

The loudness of a compactor is 94 dB. Its sound intensity is about 0.0025.

The sound intensity of the jack hammer is about 1.6 times the sound intensity of the compactor.

The loudness of a pile driver is 112 dB. About how many times the sound intensity of the jackhammer is the sound intensity of a pile driver? Round to the nearest ten.

40

Answer 2

The sound intensity of the Pile Driver is 39.5
 or nearly 40 times the sound intensity of the jackhammer.


Given with Loudness in dB for pile driver = 112 dB
We have to convert it in terms of sound intensity.
First,
112dB/10 = 11.2 

Then we'll use this as exponent of 10
(10)^(11.2) = 1.5849 * 10 ^ 11

Then use the equation of Watts per square meter to find the intensity:
I / (10^-12 W/m^2) =1.5849 * 10 ^ 11
I = sound intensity = 0.158

Then compare:

Sound intensity of Pile Driver/ Sound intensity of Jackhammer
(0.158) / (0.004)
= 39.5
or nearly 40 times the jackhammer.