The particle velocity level or the sound velocity level tells the ratio of a sound incidence in comparison to a reference level of 0 dB.

It shows the ratio of the particle velocity v₁ and the particle velocity v₀.

The particle velocity level is:

$$

L_v = 20\, \log_{10}\left(\frac{v_1}{v_0}\right) \mathrm{dB}

where v₁ and v₀ are the velocities.

The particle velocity level has the letter "L_v".

The unit of the particle velocity level is named "dB".

Notice: The dB is dimensionless.

If v₀ is the standard reference particle velocity of:

$$

v_0 = 5.0 \times 10^{-8} \mathrm{\frac{m}{s}}

we use "dB SVL". (SVL = sound velocity level).

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