How is sound intensity defined according to the inverse-square law?

How is sound intensity defined according to the inverse-square law?

• A. It remains constant regardless of distance
• B. It increases with distance
• C. It decreases as the distance from the source increases
• D. It fluctuates based on frequency

Answer: (C)

Sound intensity according to the inverse-square law is defined by the principle that as the distance from a sound source increases, the intensity of the sound decreases. This happens because sound energy is spread over a larger area as it travels farther from the source. Specifically, if you double the distance from the sound source, the intensity of the sound is only one quarter of what it was at the original distance. This relationship illustrates that intensity diminishes with an increase in distance, aligning with the concept that the energy emitted from a point source radiates outward in all directions, leading to a decrease in intensity as the waves spread over a larger surface area. Thus, the correct understanding of sound intensity in relation to the inverse-square law is that it decreases as the listener moves away from the source of the sound.

Sound intensity according to the inverse-square law is defined by the principle that as the distance from a sound source increases, the intensity of the sound decreases. This happens because sound energy is spread over a larger area as it travels farther from the source. Specifically, if you double the distance from the sound source, the intensity of the sound is only one quarter of what it was at the original distance.

This relationship illustrates that intensity diminishes with an increase in distance, aligning with the concept that the energy emitted from a point source radiates outward in all directions, leading to a decrease in intensity as the waves spread over a larger surface area. Thus, the correct understanding of sound intensity in relation to the inverse-square law is that it decreases as the listener moves away from the source of the sound.