What principle does the inverse-square law describe regarding sound?

The inverse-square law is a fundamental principle that pertains to the behavior of sound as it propagates through a medium. It specifically states that the intensity of sound diminishes as the distance from the source increases. More precisely, the intensity of sound is inversely proportional to the square of the distance from the sound source. This means that if you double the distance from the source, the intensity of the sound will decrease to one-fourth of its original value.

This principle is essential for understanding how sound travels in various environments and why sounds become quieter as you move away from the source. As sound waves spread out, they cover a larger area, which effectively reduces their intensity per unit area. Thus, an observer further away from the sound source will perceive a lower intensity than someone standing closer. This concept is crucial in applications involving acoustics, audio engineering, and hearing instrument fitting, as it helps anticipate how sounds will be perceived at different distances.