What is a characteristic of sound waves that can be described with the term "intensity"?

Intensity of sound waves refers to the power of the sound per unit area and is often associated with the perception of loudness. Sound level, measured in decibels (dB), quantifies this intensity in a way that correlates with human hearing. A higher sound level indicates greater intensity, which typically translates to a louder sound being experienced.

While frequency refers to the pitch of the sound and wavelength describes the distance between wave peaks, amplitude is a measure of the wave's height, which indeed relates to intensity. However, it is sound level that most directly communicates intensity in practical terms, particularly regarding how it affects human perception. Thus, when discussing characteristics of sound waves specifically under the context of intensity, sound level is the correct term.