What unit is used to measure noise levels?

Decibels (dB) are the standard unit used to measure noise levels. This logarithmic unit quantifies sound intensity and is widely used due to its ability to represent the vast range of sound pressures that the human ear can perceive. The decibel scale is particularly helpful because it compresses this range into a more manageable format, helping us understand sound levels in a way that's relevant to everyday experiences.

For example, a sound measured at 0 dB is at the threshold of hearing, while sounds can reach levels exceeding 120 dB, which can cause hearing damage. Since the dB scale is logarithmic, an increase of 10 dB represents a tenfold increase in sound intensity. Understanding this unit is essential for various applications, including acoustics in environments such as workplaces, concert halls, and public spaces, where monitoring and managing noise levels is important for health and comfort.

The other choices represent different physical quantities: Hertz (Hz) measures frequency (the number of cycles per second), Pascals (Pa) measure pressure, and Watts (W) measure power. None of these units directly relate to measuring sound intensity or levels of noise.