2000 General Studies, all questions

UPSC Prelims 2000 · General Studies

Question 96: Science and Technology

A noise level of 100 decibels would correspond to

ajust audible sound
bordinary conversation
csound from a noisy street
dnoise from a machine shop

AnswerThe answer is (d).

Loudness is measured in decibels on a logarithmic scale. A whisper is about 30 dB, ordinary conversation about 60 dB, a noisy street 70 to 80 dB, and a machine shop or heavy industrial noise 90 to 100 dB. About 120 dB is the pain threshold. So 100 dB matches noise from a machine shop.

Why each option is right or wrong
  • (a) The faintest sound that can be heard is about 0 dB.
  • (b) Ordinary conversation is about 60 dB.
  • (c) A noisy street is about 70 to 80 dB.
  • (d) Right: 100 dB is the level of noise in a machine shop.

Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.

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Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2000, General Studies. UPSC's own paper isn't online; the words are from a published compilation. The paper on upsc.gov.in.