Decibels are a unit of measurement for which property of sound?

Decibels are indeed a unit of measurement that quantify the amplitude of sound waves, which corresponds to the intensity or loudness of the sound. Amplitude refers to the height of the sound wave, and when it increases, the sound becomes louder, which is measured in decibels. This scale is logarithmic, meaning that an increase of 10 decibels represents a tenfold increase in intensity. Understanding amplitude in terms of decibels is crucial for various applications in acoustics, audio engineering, and speech sciences, as it allows for a standardized way to discuss sound levels and their potential impact on human perception and health.

In contrast, frequency relates to the pitch of sound and is measured in hertz (Hz), while perceived pitch is more about how humans interpret sound frequency. Duration does not describe an aspect of sound amplitude but rather the length of time the sound occurs. Each of these properties plays a unique role in sound perception, but when specifically considering the measurement unit of decibels, it is directly tied to amplitude.