1. What is the Inverse Square Law?

The Inverse Square Law describes how sound intensity decreases with distance from the source. It states that the sound level decreases by 6 dB for each doubling of distance from the source.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the Inverse Square Law formula:

Where:

• \( L \) — Sound level at distance r (dB)
• \( L_0 \) — Reference sound level at distance r0 (dB)
• \( r \) — Distance from source (m)
• \( r_0 \) — Reference distance (m)

Explanation: The equation shows how sound level decreases logarithmically with increasing distance from the source.

3. Importance of Sound Level Calculation

Details: Understanding sound level decrease is crucial for noise control, audio system design, environmental noise assessment, and workplace safety.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter reference sound level in dB, distance in meters, and reference distance in meters. All values must be valid (distances > 0).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why does sound follow the inverse square law?
A: Sound energy spreads out equally in all directions, so the same amount of energy is distributed over a larger area as distance increases.

Q2: What's the difference between sound pressure and sound level?
A: Sound pressure is the actual pressure variation, while sound level is the logarithmic decibel scale that corresponds to human hearing perception.

Q3: Does this law apply in all environments?
A: The inverse square law applies best in free field conditions without reflections. Indoors or in complex environments, reflections may alter the sound field.

Q4: How accurate is this calculation?
A: The calculation is theoretically accurate for point sources in free field conditions. Real-world accuracy depends on environmental factors.

Q5: What if I need to calculate for multiple sources?
A: For multiple sources, calculate each source separately and then combine the sound levels logarithmically.