Amplification of Sound Waves in the Ear

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What is the range of frequencies that form audible sound waves?

20 Hz-20 KHz (correct)

10 Hz-10 MHz

10 Hz-10 KHz

15 Hz-15 KHz

Why does the perception of sound change a lot depending on the person?

Due to differences in pitch perception

Due to differences in hearing thresholds (correct)

Due to differences in intensity perception

Due to differences in visual perception

What is the term for the perception of sound intensity?

Loudness (correct)

Timbre

Intensity

Pitch

What happens to the threshold of hearing as one gets older?

It increases Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for sound waves with frequencies below 20 Hz?

Infrasound Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between the physical stimulus of sound and its perception?

Perception is different from the physical stimulus Signup and view all the answers

What is the main reason for the amplification of pressure waves in the human ear?

The ratio of the area of the eardrum to the area of the oval window Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of a hole in the membrane on the threshold of hearing?

It increases the threshold of hearing Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic of sound is defined as the frequency of the incoming sound waves?

Pitch Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the ossicles in the middle ear?

To amplify pressure waves Signup and view all the answers

What would be the effect of problems in the ossicles on the amplification factor?

It would decrease the amplification factor Signup and view all the answers

What are the two main amplification factors in the human ear?

The ratio of the area of the eardrum to the area of the oval window and the levers formed by the ossicles Signup and view all the answers

What type of wave is perceived in the process of hearing?

Pressure wave Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the outer ear in the process of hearing?

To convey the pressure wave to the eardrum Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the three ossicles in the middle ear?

To transport the vibration of the eardrum to the oval window Signup and view all the answers

What is the main component of the fluid in the cochlea?

Water Signup and view all the answers

Why is the specific mechanism of transferring the oscillation from air to water necessary in the ear?

To trigger an electrical impulse from the basilar membrane Signup and view all the answers

What is the outcome of the stimulation of the eardrum by the pressure wave?

The eardrum oscillates around its equilibrium position Signup and view all the answers

What is the minimum intensity required for a person to hear a sound?

Io Signup and view all the answers

What is the maximum sound level that can be tolerated by the human ear without causing permanent damage?

120 dB Signup and view all the answers

What is the range of frequencies that a person with normal hearing can perceive?

20 Hz to 20 KHz Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the threshold for hearing?

To determine the minimum intensity required to trigger a response Signup and view all the answers

What is the unit of measurement for sound pressure level?

dB Signup and view all the answers

Why is it not possible to reach a sound level of 0 dB?

Because it is impossible to reach absolute silence Signup and view all the answers

What is the main reason why the majority of the pressure wave cannot be transmitted from air to water?

The density of water is roughly 1000 times the density of air Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the 3 ossicles in the mechanism of hearing?

To amplify the sound wave Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the oscillation after it crosses the oval window?

It ascends along the spiral cochlea and then passes through the connection to the other channel Signup and view all the answers

Where is the nerve impulse generated in the mechanism of hearing?

In the cochlea, along the basilar membrane Signup and view all the answers

Why is it necessary to have a more complex system of hearing, involving the 3 ossicles and the cochlea?

To amplify the sound wave to overcome the difference in acoustic impedance Signup and view all the answers

What would happen to the pressure wave if it were transmitted directly from air to water?

The P wave in the water would be imperceptible Signup and view all the answers