MCAT Physics Question 105: Answer and Explanation

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Question: 105

15. Ignoring attenuation, how does the intensity of a sound change as the distance from the source doubles?

  • A. It is four times as intense.
  • B. It is twice as intense.
  • C. It is half as intense.
  • D. It is one-quarter as intense.

Correct Answer: D

Explanation:

Intensity is equal to power divided by area. In this case, area refers to the surface area of concentric spheres emanating out from the source of the sound. This surface area is given by 4πr2, so as distance (r) doubles, the intensity will decrease by a factor of four.

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