eli5: How is perceived volume related to distance from a source?

Question

Is it logarithmic, linear, something else entirely???

In: 1

Answer 1

In an anechoic environment, the midrange frequencies decreases by 3dB for every doubling of distance. Bass and treble frequencies are a bit different (bass lasting longer and treble lasting less).

However, we rarely are in an anechoic environment. If outside on dirt then it’d be close, but outside on concrete and even moreso being in a small & reflective room, sound will persist more.