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GK QUESTION#3029

At fixed frequency in a fixed medium, the intensity of a small-amplitude sinusoidal sound wave is proportional to which mathematical function of its displacement amplitude?

  1. ACube root of amplitude
  2. BCube of amplitude
  3. CSquare of amplitudeCorrect answer
  4. DSquare root of amplitude
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Answer

C. Square of amplitude

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Explanation

For a small-amplitude sinusoidal sound wave in a fixed medium at fixed frequency, intensity is proportional to displacement amplitude squared. Doubling that amplitude gives four times the intensity. Subjective loudness and decibel level do not obey that simple square law.

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