What is the change in sound pressure level between 12 feet and 48 feet from a source?

To determine the change in sound pressure level between two distances from a source, we can use the inverse square law of sound. According to this law, sound pressure level decreases by approximately 6 dB when the distance from the source is doubled.

In this scenario, we are comparing distances of 12 feet and 48 feet. First, we note that 48 feet is four times the distance of 12 feet (48 feet = 4 x 12 feet). Since the sound level decreases by about 6 dB with each doubling of distance, we calculate the number of times the distance doubles from 12 feet to 48 feet.

Taking the following steps:

1. From 12 feet to 24 feet (first doubling) results in a decrease of 6 dB.

2. From 24 feet to 48 feet (second doubling) results in another decrease of 6 dB.

Thus, the total decrease in sound pressure level is 6 dB + 6 dB, equaling 12 dB. Consequently, the sound pressure level decreases by 12 dB when going from 12 feet to 48 feet from the source.

This makes the change in sound pressure level clear and justified, supporting