To determine the sound level in decibels (dB) from a given intensity, we can use the logarithmic equation:
L = 10 * log10(I / I₀)
where L is the sound level in decibels, I is the intensity of the sound wave, and I₀ is the reference intensity.
The reference intensity, I₀, is typically set at the threshold of human hearing, which is approximately 1 x 10^(-12) W/m².
Let's calculate the sound level in decibels using the given intensity of 1 x 10^5 W/m²:
L = 10 * log10(1 x 10^5 / 1 x 10^(-12))
L = 10 * log10(1 x 10^17)
L = 10 * 17
L = 170 dB
Therefore, a sound wave with an intensity of 1 x 10^5 W/m² would have a sound level of 170 decibels.