L = loudness, in decibels (dB); I = sound intensity, in watts/m2; I0 = 10-12 watts/m2

The loudness of a jack hammer is 96 dB. Its sound intensity is about 0.004.

The loudness of a compactor is 94 dB. Its sound intensity is about 0.0025.

The sound intensity of the jack hammer is about 1.6 times the sound intensity of the compactor.

The loudness of a pile driver is 112 dB. About how many times the sound intensity of the jackhammer is the sound intensity of a pile driver? Round to the nearest ten.

The sound intensity of the Pile Driver is 39.5

or nearly 40 times the sound intensity of the jackhammer.

Given with Loudness in dB for pile driver = 112 dB

We have to convert it in terms of sound intensity.

First,

112dB/10 = 11.2

Then we'll use this as exponent of 10

(10) ^ (11.2) = 1.5849 * 10 ^ 11

Then use the equation of Watts per square meter to find the intensity:

I / (10^-12 W/m^2) = 1.5849 * 10 ^ 11

I = sound intensity = 0.158

Then compare:

Sound intensity of Pile Driver / Sound intensity of Jackhammer

(0.158) / (0.004)

= 39.5

or nearly 40 times the jackhammer.