Physics: Sound & Hearing Flashcards
The loudness of a sound
Amplitude
A device which shows the amplitude and the frequency of a sound
Oscilloscope
The larger the amplitude of the wave on the trace, the (louder/quieter) the sound
Louder
The pitch of a sound
Frequency
The greater the frequency of the waves on the trace, the (lower/higher) the pitch
Higher
Give an example of how we use high frequency waves
Ultrasound scans
A form of energy which travels almost 100,000 times faster than sound
Light
How high or low a sound is
Pitch
How loud or quiet a sound is
Loudness
What are sound waves unable to pass through
A vacuum
What is sound energy is produced by
Vibrations
What does sound travel in
Waves
What is the major job of the ears
To hear sounds
What other major function does the ear carry out
It helps us to maintain balance
what is another name for the outer ear
Pinna
Why is the outer ear shaped like this
To help funnel the waves
What comes after the outer ear
The ear canal
What is found at the end of the ear canal
The ear drum
What are the names of three small bones which are found behind the ear drum
The hammer, anvil & stirrup (ossicles)
What do the three small bones in the middle ear do
They amplify the vibrations
In which part of the ear is the cochlea
The inner ear
Roughly how many tiny hairs are in the cochlea
17,000
What do the tiny hairs in the cochlea do
They convert the vibrations into electrical signals
What nerves take the electrical signals to the brain
The auditory nerves
What does the brain do to the electrical signals
It interprets them
What can too loud sounds do to your hearing
It can permanently damage it
Over time, what can happen to the tiny hairs in the cochlea
They can get permanently damaged
Can sound travel through gases
Yes
Can sound travel through solids
Yes
Can sound travel through a vacuum
No
Can sound travel through liquids
Yes
What can sound travel the fastest through - Solids, liquids or gases
Solids
