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How much is sound pressure reduced each time the distance from the source is doubled?

  1. 5 dB

  2. 7 dB

  3. 6 dB

  4. 4 dB

The correct answer is: 6 dB

When the distance from a sound source is doubled, the sound pressure level decreases by approximately 6 dB. This phenomenon is rooted in the inverse square law, which states that sound pressure diminishes as the distance increases. In simple terms, sound radiates spherically from a point source, and as you move further away, the sound spreads out over a larger area. When you double the distance, the area over which the sound is distributed increases by a factor of four, which results in a reduction in sound pressure. Specifically, a reduction of 6 dB corresponds to the halving of the sound intensity, which is consistent with the physics governing sound propagation. This principle is foundational in acoustics and helps professionals understand how sound levels change in different environments and situations, vital for effective AV system design and deployment.