What does octave band analysis (OBA) accomplish?

Octave band analysis (OBA) is a technique in acoustics that divides sound into its various frequency components. This method categorizes sound into distinct frequency ranges (or bands), typically each band is defined by a center frequency, and is usually represented in octave or fractional octave steps. The primary purpose of this analysis is to assess the distribution of sound energy across different frequencies, which is crucial in various applications including noise control, environmental assessments, and occupational health monitoring.

By separating noise into frequency bands, OBA provides valuable information about the characteristics of noise in a given environment, aiding in understanding how it may affect human health and performance. This division allows for targeted noise reduction strategies, as different frequencies can have different effects on hearing and overall well-being.

The other options focus on related but distinct aspects of sound measurement. For instance, the measurement of sound intensity pertains to the overall power of the sound, while calculating total noise exposure involves integrating sound levels over time rather than breaking them down by frequencies. Determining sound frequency limits is about establishing thresholds for acceptable noise levels, which is different from the process of frequency analysis itself. Hence, choice B is the correct response as it precisely describes the core function of octave band analysis.