Question

What is the intensity of sound in normal conversation?
A) 10-20 decibels
B) 30-60 decibels
C) 70-90 decibels
D) 120-150 decibels

Answer 1

Intensity of sound in normal conversation can also be termed as moderate sound intensity. As we know that there are two factors on which the intensity is dependent:- one is amplitude and the other is the distance covered by the sound wave. A normal conversation generally takes place in close proximity and thus it is always less amplified.

Complete Answer:

The intensity between 10-20 decibels falls between threshold intensity. It causes pain and irritation while hearing and cannot be a desirable intensity for a conversation.
If the intensity of sound is above 70 decibels, it starts to get noisy and irritating. The best example of such a situation could be a busy traffic signal with lots of vehicles honking and people shouting.
The intensity of sound above 90 decibels is harmful for the human ear and if a person comes in contact with that intensity of sound on a daily basis then there is a chance of permanent damage to the ears.
The most desirable intensity of sound to support a normal conversation is between 30-60 decibels. Hence, we can say that the intensity of sound between 30-60 decibels is the intensity for a normal conversation.

Thus the correct answer is option ‘B’.

Note: The intensity of sound can be described as the amount of sound energy given out by a living or non-living body. Not only if the magnitude of the intensity is more than that moderate value, it becomes dangerous. And, when the value goes below the prescribed magnitude, it becomes also dangerous.