Definition:Bel

Definition

The bel is a unit for comparing levels of power.

The number of bels is equal to the (common) logarithm of the ratio of the two levels of power.

Conversion Factors

\(\ds \)

\(\)

\(\ds 1\)

bel

\(\ds \)

\(=\)

\(\ds 10\)

decibels

Symbol

The symbol for the bel is $\mathrm B$.

Also see

• Definition:Decibel

Source of Name

This entry was named for Alexander Graham Bell.

Sources

• 1998: David Nelson: The Penguin Dictionary of Mathematics (2nd ed.) ... (previous) ... (next): bel
• 2008: David Nelson: The Penguin Dictionary of Mathematics (4th ed.) ... (previous) ... (next): bel