Decibels (dB) are a logarithmic scale used to measure the intensity or level of sound. Each increase of 10 dB represents a tenfold increase in sound intensity.
Therefore, if you have a sound level of 40 dB and another sound level of 30 dB, the 40 dB sound is actually 10 times more intense than the 30 dB sound. In other words, it is twice as loud.
To illustrate further:
- A sound level of 30 dB might be comparable to a quiet whisper or a library.
- A sound level of 40 dB could be similar to a soft conversation or a residential area with low ambient noise.
It's important to note that perception of loudness can also vary depending on personal sensitivity to sound and environmental factors.