What is the reference sound pressure level in N/m^2?

The reference sound pressure level is defined as 20 microPascals, which is expressed mathematically as 20 x 10^-6 Pascals. This value can be simplified to 2 x 10^-5 N/m^2 when converting microPascals to standard units of pressure.

Having this reference is crucial in the field of acoustics and industrial hygiene, as it establishes a baseline for measuring sound levels. The reference level is used to calculate sound pressure levels in decibels (dB) and is essential for assessing workplace noise exposure and making recommendations for hearing conservation.

In summary, the correct choice reflects the established standard for reference sound pressure, making it an essential aspect of sound measurement in various applications, particularly industrial hygiene.