Typical noise levels in public transport environments The sound level inside a city bus in heavy traffic or inside a subway/train car is typically around how many decibels?

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: 95

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
Urban noise exposure often occurs during commuting. Recognizing typical levels helps in assessing daily noise dose relative to occupational or environmental guidelines.



Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Busy city traffic or inside a subway car.
  • Short-term peaks can occur, but we consider a representative level.
  • A-weighted decibels are implied.


Concept / Approach:
Typical interior levels in buses and subway cars can range from roughly 85 to 100 dB(A) depending on vehicle condition, speed, and crowding. A mid-high value around 95 dB is often cited for noisier conditions and matches the upper typical range of such environments.



Step-by-Step Solution:

Assess realistic ranges: 75 dB is common for quieter offices/streets, lower than typical subway interiors.Consider peaks and averages: congested, braking, track noise can push toward 90–100 dB.Select 95 dB as the best representative among the choices.


Verification / Alternative check:
Field measurements reported by urban acoustic surveys frequently find 90+ dB inside older subway cars or crowded buses during peak conditions.



Why Other Options Are Wrong:

120 and 140 dB are extreme levels associated with jet engines or gunshots, not routine public transport interiors; 75 dB is too low for the stated scenarios.


Common Pitfalls:
Confusing indoor public spaces (often 60–70 dB) with amplified transit environments that include mechanical and structural noise sources.



Final Answer:
95

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