How many decibels does a doubling of distance generally result in at a fixed sound level?

The correct answer indicates that a doubling of distance from a sound source generally results in a decrease of approximately 6 dB in sound level. This relationship is rooted in the inverse-square law, which describes how sound propagates in an open environment.

As the distance from the sound source doubles, the intensity of the sound decreases to a quarter of its original value because sound spreads out in three dimensions. The reduction of intensity affects how we perceive sound level, which we measure in decibels. The decibel scale is logarithmic, and a decrease of 6 dB represents a halving of sound intensity, which corresponds to the doubling of distance.

Understanding this principle is crucial in fields related to audio engineering, acoustics, and sound design, as it informs how audio levels need to be adjusted based on the listener's distance from the sound source to maintain clarity and presence of the audio being projected.