UPSC Prelims 2000·GS1·science-and-technology·science and technology

A noise level of 100 decibels would correspond to

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Last updated 23 May 2026, 3:31 pm IST
  1. Ajust audible sound
  2. Bordinary conversation
  3. Csound from a noisy street
  4. Dnoise from a machine shopCorrect

Explanation

The correct answer is D because decibels are measured on a logarithmic scale where every 10 decibel increase represents a tenfold increase in sound intensity. Just audible sound is the threshold of hearing and starts at 0 decibels. Ordinary conversation typically ranges from 50 to 60 decibels. A noisy street or heavy traffic usually falls between 70 and 80 decibels. A noise level of 100 decibels is significantly louder and is characteristic of industrial environments like a machine shop, a power saw, or a pneumatic drill. Sustained exposure to 100 decibels is considered hazardous to hearing.
science-and-technology: A noise level of 100 decibels would correspond to

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