- Sections
- A. General Materials & Mathematics
- B. Statics
- C. Kinematics & Dynamics
- D. Rotational Mechanics
- E. Gravitation & Astronomy
- F. Fluid Mechanics
- G. Vibrations & Mechanical Waves
- H. Sound
- I. Thermodynamics
- J. Electrostatics & Magnetostatics
- K. Electromagnetic Principles
- L. Geometrical Optics
- M. Wave Optics
- N. Spectra & Color
- O. Vision
- P. Modern Physics
H5-11. Wavetek And Audiocart - Frequency Range Of Hearing
Purpose
To demonstrate the approximate frequency range of human hearing.
Equipment
Oscillator with amplifier and speakers on Audio Cart.
Setup Time
5 min.
Images
Description
The audio system has a useful range from below 20 Hz through well above 20 kHz, although it doesn't do well below about 40Hz. Have people raise their hands when they hear the tone to see the hearing range of the group. Turn it off and tell them the frequency is about 20 kHz; you will find out who the liars are or those with tinnitus. Note also that, keeping the intensity constant while sweeping from 1 kHz to 10 kHz, people hear the tone as louder around 3-5 kHz because the ear is most sensitive in that frequency range.
References
Arthur Taber Jones, A Simple Demonstration of the Effect of Intensity upon Pitch, AJP 5, 139 (1937).
-
See pagesh1. nature of sound
-
See pagesh2. wave properties of sound
-
See pagesh3. standing sound waves
-
See pagesh4. music
-
See pagesh5. the ear
-
See pagesh6. the voice
-
See pagesh1. nature of sound
-
See pagesh2. wave properties of sound
-
See pagesh3. standing sound waves
-
See pagesh4. music
-
See pagesh5. the ear
-
See pagesh6. the voice