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This article is from the Acoustics FAQ, by Andrew Silverman with numerous contributions by others.

2.10 What is the sound power level ?

Sound power level, Lw, is often quoted on machinery to indicate the total sound energy radiated per second. The reference power is taken as 1pW.

For example, a lawn mower with sound power level 88dB(A) will produce a sound level of about 60dB(A) at a distance of 10 metres. If the sound power level was 78dB(A) then the lawn mower sound level would be only 50dB(A) at the same distance.

 

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physics, acoustics