Question Detail

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

Why is a logarithmic scale, such as the decibel, appropriate for measuring sound loudness?
Options
A It simplifies calculations for engineers.
B The human ear's sensitivity is linear.
C The human ear is more sensitive to sound of very small amplitude than very large amplitude, requiring a nonlinear scale.
Correct Answer
D It allows for a wider range of frequencies to be represented.
Correct Answer

Option C is the correct answer.

Detailed Explanation

The document 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. This is provided by the logarithmic measure.'

Hint

Consider how the human ear perceives changes in loudness across different intensity levels.

Question Info

Course: PHY 104
Topic: Pitch, loudness, quality, timber
Type: Objective
Difficulty: Not specified
Question 419 of 947
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