Which statement about decibels is true?

The statement that decibels are based on logarithmic scales is accurate because the decibel (dB) scale is designed to reflect the way humans perceive sound, which is not linear but logarithmic. This means when sound intensity increases, it requires a tenfold increase in actual sound pressure to perceive a doubling of loudness. The logarithmic nature of decibels allows for a more manageable scale to work with, especially since sound levels can vary dramatically. For example, an increase of 10 dB represents a tenfold increase in intensity, while a change of 20 dB represents a hundredfold increase. This logarithmic approach is critical for sound measurement and understanding, enabling clearer communication about sound levels and their potential impact, such as hearing damage or sound design considerations.

Other statements can be misleading; for instance, summing decibels directly does not yield an accurate total because of their logarithmic nature. Similarly, while decibels can provide valuable information regarding sound intensity, they do not inherently provide frequency-specific details, as they primarily measure sound power relative to a reference level rather than explicitly indicating tonal quality or frequency. Understanding this concept is crucial for anyone working in hearing technology or related fields.