Physics of Sound and Anatomy 1 Flashcards
6 cards from real CAOHC practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 Physics of Sound and Anatomy 1 flashcards as text
The decibel (dB) scale used to measure sound intensity is best described as:
Answer: A logarithmic scale based on ratios relative to a reference pressure
The decibel scale is logarithmic, meaning each 10 dB increase represents a tenfold increase in intensity. It expresses sound levels as ratios relative to a reference pressure (20 µPa for airborne sound), which mirrors how the human ear perceives loudness differences.
What is the primary role of the tympanic membrane (eardrum) in the hearing process?
Answer: It converts airborne sound pressure waves into mechanical vibrations
The tympanic membrane vibrates in response to incoming sound pressure waves, converting acoustic energy into mechanical motion that is then transmitted to the ossicular chain. This transduction step bridges the outer and middle ear.
The Eustachian tube connects the middle ear to the:
Answer: Nasopharynx
The Eustachian tube links the middle ear cavity to the nasopharynx, allowing pressure equalization between the middle ear and ambient atmospheric pressure. Dysfunction can impair ossicular movement and reduce hearing sensitivity.
If the frequency of a sound wave doubles, what happens to its wavelength (assuming the speed of sound remains constant)?
Answer: The wavelength is halved
Wavelength, frequency, and the speed of sound are related by the formula: speed = frequency × wavelength. Since the speed of sound in air is constant (~344 m/s), doubling the frequency requires the wavelength to be halved to maintain the equation.
Along the basilar membrane within the cochlea, where are high-frequency sounds preferentially detected?
Answer: At the base near the oval window
The basilar membrane is tonotopically organized. High frequencies cause maximum displacement near the base (stiff, narrow region near the oval window), while low frequencies cause maximum displacement near the apex (flexible, wider region). This spatial mapping is fundamental to frequency discrimination.
What term describes the number of complete cycles a sound wave completes per second?
Answer: Frequency
Frequency, measured in Hertz (Hz), is defined as the number of complete wave cycles occurring per second. Frequency determines the pitch of a sound — higher frequency corresponds to a higher perceived pitch. It is distinct from amplitude, which relates to loudness.