Loudness, or the perceived volume of a sound, is determined by the amplitude of the sound wave and the intensity of the sound. The larger the amplitude and the greater the intensity, the louder the sound will be. Loudness is often measured in decibels (dB).
Here’s a more detailed explanation:
Amplitude:
The amplitude of a sound wave refers to the maximum displacement of particles from their equilibrium position. A larger amplitude indicates a stronger sound wave, resulting in a louder sound. The loudness of a sound is directly proportional to the square of the amplitude.
Intensity:
Intensity refers to the amount of energy carried by a sound wave per unit area. A higher intensity means more energy is being transmitted, leading to a louder sound.
Decibels (dB):
Loudness is often expressed using decibels, a logarithmic scale that relates the intensity of a sound to a reference intensity, which is the threshold of hearing.
In essence, loudness is a subjective perception influenced by the physical properties of the sound wave, particularly its amplitude and intensity.