so I was trying to do this based on logarithm scales.
The noise from a power mower was measured at 108 dB. The noise level at a rock concert was measured at 119 dB. Find the ratio of the intensity of the rock music to that of the power mower. (Round your answer to the nearest whole number.)
I tried by 108-119 =-11 but then I did 10^-11 and I got a weird answer so, I am having trouble trying ti figure this problem out step by step.
119-108 = 11db.
db = 10*Log I2/I1 = 11.
Log I2/I1 = 1.1.
I2/I1 = 10^1.1 = 12.59 or 13.
To solve this problem using logarithm scales, we need to understand the relationship between decibels (dB) and intensity.
The decibel scale is logarithmic, which means that the increase or decrease in decibel level corresponds to a multiplication or division of intensity by a certain factor.
The formula for calculating the ratio of intensities in terms of decibels is:
Ratio of Intensities = 10^((dB2 - dB1) / 10)
In this case, dB1 represents the power mower noise level of 108 dB, and dB2 represents the rock concert noise level of 119 dB.
Now let's calculate the ratio of the intensities step by step:
Step 1: Subtract the decibel levels: dB2 - dB1
119 dB - 108 dB = 11 dB
Step 2: Divide the result by 10: (dB2 - dB1) / 10
11 dB / 10 = 1.1
Step 3: Apply the logarithmic scale formula: Ratio of Intensities = 10^(1.1)
Using a calculator, evaluate 10^1.1 ≈ 12.58
Therefore, the ratio of the intensity of the rock music to that of the power mower is approximately 12.58.
Note: When rounding your answer, follow the instructions given in the question to round to the nearest whole number. In this case, the ratio of 12.58 would round to 13.