In a logarithmic scale, a 10 dB increase in intensity __________ the loudness over most of the audible range.

A 10 dB increase in intensity corresponds to a doubling of perceived loudness for most of the audible range. This relationship is founded on the logarithmic nature of the decibel scale, which is used to express ratios of sound intensity. The decibel scale is a logarithmic scale based on powers of ten, meaning that every increase of 10 dB represents a tenfold increase in intensity. However, the human auditory system perceives loudness in a nonlinear manner; as a result, an increase of approximately 10 dB is perceived as a doubling of loudness.

This relationship holds true within the typical range of human hearing, allowing for a understanding that while intensity may increase significantly, our perception of loudness changes at a different rate, closely approximating a doubling effect for each 10 dB rise.