The loudness level of a sound, D, in decibels, is given by the formula D=10 log(10^12 I), where I is the intensity of the sound, in watts per meter ^2. Decibel levels range from 0, a barely audible sound, to 160, a sound resulting in a ruptured eardrum. Use the formula to solve Exercises. The sound of a blue whale can be heard 500 miles away, reaching an intensity of 6.3 ×10^6 watts per meter ^2. Determine the decibel level of this sound. At close range, can the sound of a blue whale rupture the