How is sound intensity or loudness measured?

Sound intensity or loudness is measured in decibels. The decibel scale is a logarithmic unit that quantifies the relative loudness of sounds by comparing a particular sound pressure level to a reference level, typically the threshold of hearing for humans. This measurement is essential in various fields, including acoustics, audio engineering, and safety regulations, as it helps in assessing noise levels that can affect hearing.

Hertz is a unit of frequency, representing the number of cycles per second of a sound wave, which does not correlate directly with loudness. Watts is a unit of power and describes the rate of energy transfer; it is not directly used to measure sound intensity. Volts measure electrical potential or electromotive force and are unrelated to sound measurement. Thus, decibels are the appropriate unit for expressing sound intensity or loudness.