What is sound intensity?

Sound intensity refers to the amount of sound power that passes through a unit area. It is defined as the power per unit area carried by a sound wave, which means it quantifies how much energy a sound wave transmits through a specified surface area over time. This concept is critical in understanding how we perceive loudness, as higher intensity levels correspond to louder sounds.

Intensity is typically measured in watts per square meter (W/m²). Therefore, the relationship between sound waves and their energy flow is essential for various applications, including acoustics, audio engineering, and environmental noise assessments. This understanding helps in the design of sound systems and in assessing hearing safety regulations.