What does a decibel measure?

A decibel measures the intensity or power of sound, which relates to how much sound energy is exerted on a surface. It provides a logarithmic scale to describe the loudness of sound, allowing us to quantify sound levels in a way that aligns with human hearing perception. The decibel scale is used in various applications, including audio engineering and environmental noise assessment, to convey how sound energy impacts environments or individuals.

Understanding this concept is crucial for those studying sound, as it encompasses not just the loudness but also the potential effects on hearing and safety in environments with varying sound levels. In contrast, the other options refer to different aspects of sound that a decibel does not measure. Temperature, frequency, and duration are distinct characteristics that describe elements of sound but do not pertain to the intensity represented by decibels.