Question 1

How do I add decibels together?

Accepted Answer

Decibels are logarithmic, so you cant simply add them. Two equal sources: add 3 dB. Formula: total = 10 × log10(10^(dB1/10) + 10^(dB2/10)). Two 60 dB sources = 63 dB, not 120 dB.

Question 2

Why doesnt doubling the sound double the decibels?

Accepted Answer

Decibels are logarithmic. Doubling sound power adds 3 dB. Doubling perceived loudness requires +10 dB. This scale handles the enormous range of human hearing (0-140 dB = 1 to 10 trillion times).

Question 3

How do decibels work?

Accepted Answer

Decibels are logarithmic: +3 dB doubles power, +10 dB sounds twice as loud. 20 dB = whisper, 60 dB = conversation, 100 dB = concerts, 140 dB = pain threshold.

Question 4

What's the relationship between frequency and pitch?

Accepted Answer

Frequency directly determines pitch. A4 = 440 Hz. Each octave doubles frequency. Our hearing ranges from 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz.

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