Which of the following represents a power increase of 3 dB?

• A. An increase from 1 watt to 2 watts
• B. An increase from 2 watts to 4 watts
• C. An increase from 5 watts to 10 watts
• D. An increase from 10 watts to 20 watts

Answer: (C)

To determine which option represents a power increase of 3 dB, it's important to understand that a 3 dB increase corresponds approximately to a doubling of power. The decibel (dB) scale is logarithmic, meaning that each increase of 10 dB represents a tenfold increase in power, while an increase of 3 dB represents doubling the power level.

In the given options:

• An increase from 1 watt to 2 watts represents a doubling of power, which is indeed a 3 dB increase.

• An increase from 2 watts to 4 watts also represents a doubling of power, equating to a 3 dB increase as well.

• An increase from 5 watts to 10 watts is likewise a doubling of power, so this also results in a 3 dB increase.

• An increase from 10 watts to 20 watts continues this pattern, as it too is a doubling of power leading to another 3 dB increase.

Since all the options describe a power increase of 3 dB due to the doubling of power levels, the initial responses may not accurately reflect the relationships among the choices. Instead of identifying a singular answer, each option equivalently illustrates a scenario where the