Question Detail

PHY 104 Pitch, loudness, quality, timber Objective Question
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Question

Why is a nonlinear scale, such as the logarithmic measure, appropriate for expressing loudness?
Options
A Because sound waves have a nonlinear frequency.
B The human ear is more sensitive to sounds of very small amplitude than to sounds of very large amplitude.
Correct Answer
C It simplifies calculations for engineers.
D It allows for a wider range of measurable frequencies.
Correct Answer

Option B is the correct answer.

Detailed Explanation

The text explains: 'It is worthy of note that the ear is more sensitive to sound of very small amplitude than it is to sound of very large amplitude. Thus, a nonlinear scale is appropriate.'

Hint

Consider how the human ear perceives loudness across different amplitudes.

Question Info

Course: PHY 104
Topic: Pitch, loudness, quality, timber
Type: Objective
Difficulty: Not specified
Question 390 of 947
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