Loudness and Intensity

• Loudness is a subjective term describing the strength of the ear's perception of a sound
• Loudness depends on 2 factors:

  1. The sensitivity of the human ear
  2. The amplitude of the sound wave ( greater amplitude, louder the sound)
• Since loudness is subjective it cannot be measured accurately.
• The intensity of a sound is the amount of energy which passes an area of 1 meter squared in one second
• Intensity can be measured accurately

  • SI Unit: decibels (Db)
• louder vs. softer sound waves