Can you give me an idea of what decibels mean?

Question

Like a jet is 160, my headphones cancel out 30, just random stuf like that.

i know it measures sound, thats not what im asking...

Answer 1

decibels denote volume and intensity--normal car at 60 MPH has an interior rating of 65 while a lawnmower has 90
the higher the number, the more likely that unprotected listening will lead to hearing loss

Answer 2

It is the measure of sound intensity. By that you can measure the limit at to what level you ear can hear without damaging effects. You say a jet is 160 decibels; it's loud and painful to the ears. Then those above it are painful for hearing as well.

A whisper is about 10.
A feather falling is about 1.

Answer 3

Decibels is a measure of sound. The human ear is not equally sensitive at all frequencies. To hear the same loudness, for sounds of different frequencies requires different intensities. The loudness levels are represented by units called phons, which is numerically equal to the sound level db at 1000 hertz. For example a 40 phon curve at 100 hertz tone must be at a level of 62 db in order to be perceived as loud as a 1000 Hz tone of only 40 db. This is a logarithmic measure, increased exponentially at intervals. Wikipedia sucks at explaining this as it takes the mathematical approach instead of taking the physics approach. Next time, if you want a good answer, post this in the science category. In the Internet there are tables that relate decibels to hertz.

Answer 4

Decibels are a measure of sound intensity.

Answer 5

All I know is that it has to do with hearing. A lightbulb has watts, and electricity has voltage. That's the only thing I can think of.

Answer 6

its like how many frequency's there are in a period or length or something,check out a chemistry book at the library

Answer 7

measure of sound

Answer 8

ok