Which sound level is typically perceived as soft?

A sound level of 40 dB is generally perceived as soft because it falls within the lower range of the decibel scale, which measures sound intensity. To provide some context, the decibel scale is logarithmic, meaning that every increase of 10 dB represents a tenfold increase in sound intensity. Therefore, a sound level of 40 dB is significantly quieter than louder levels like 60 dB, 80 dB, or 120 dB.

For reference, normal conversation is typically around 60 dB, which is considered moderate in loudness. Levels around 80 dB, such as city traffic noise, are much louder and can potentially begin to cause hearing damage with prolonged exposure. A very loud sound, like a jet takeoff, can reach levels of 120 dB, which is extremely intense and can lead to immediate hearing loss. In contrast, sounds at 40 dB include quiet ambient noise, gentle whispering, or light rainfall, making it clearly the softest option among the given choices.