How many bels (or decibels) is a typical thunderclap?
2006-06-25 09:48:43 · 7 answers · asked by Anonymous in Science & Mathematics ➔ Weather
Sound intensity can be expressed in decibels (sometimes abbreviated dBA). A clap of thunder can typically register about 120 dBA, or ten times louder than a garbage truck, chain saw or pneumatic drill. On the other hand, sitting in front of the speakers at a rock concert can expose you to a nearly continuous 120 dBA, which can seriously harm your hearing.
2006-06-26 02:05:34 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
A decibel is ten times the log (base 10) of the ratio of the observed acoustical power/area over a reference acoustical power/area. The reference is ususally taken as the threshold of human hearing. So it would vary, depending on your distance and the current pulse characteristics of the particular discharge.
Thunder starts as a shockwave - a supersonic pressure pulse - sufficient to burst eardrums within a short distance from the lightning channel. That's loud.
2006-06-25 17:26:11 · answer #2 · answered by Ethan 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
85 decibels i should say.
But not louder than the thunderstorms produced from ur rear!
2006-06-25 16:53:01 · answer #3 · answered by ♥♥ ĎᵲέӚϻ_ῬѓїЍϚ€$Ṧ ♥♥ 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It can be as loud as God wants.
2006-06-25 19:42:52 · answer #4 · answered by Boo 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It can be as loud as God wants.
2006-06-25 16:52:58 · answer #5 · answered by ? 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
can be as loud as a shotgun blast.
2006-06-26 02:51:07 · answer #6 · answered by blahblahblah 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
very loud
2006-06-25 16:53:31 · answer #7 · answered by LISA F 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋