Photo AI
A sound wave produces a maximum increase in pressure on an ear of 2.5 × 10³ N m² - AQA - A-Level Physics - Question 2 - 2020 - Paper 6
Question 2
A sound wave produces a maximum increase in pressure on an ear of 2.5 × 10³ N m². This causes a maximum increase in pressure in the fluid of the inner ear of 5.0 × ... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:A sound wave produces a maximum increase in pressure on an ear of 2.5 × 10³ N m² - AQA - A-Level Physics - Question 2 - 2020 - Paper 6
Step 1
Explain how the ossicles contribute to this increase in pressure in the fluid of the inner ear.
Answer
The ossicles act like levers, which help to amplify the pressure change from the sound waves. They connect the tympanic membrane (eardrum) to the oval window, effectively increasing the force exerted on the oval window relative to the force coming from the tympanic membrane. This lever action allows for a greater force applied over a smaller area, leading to a significant increase in pressure in the inner ear fluid.
Step 2
Calculate the area, in m², of the oval window.
Answer
To calculate the area of the oval window, we can use the formula for the area of a circle: A = rac{ ext{π}d^2}{4} where d is the diameter. Given that the diameter is 1.0 cm (or 0.01 m), the area can be calculated as follows:
A = rac{ ext{π}(0.01)^2}{4} = rac{ ext{π}(0.0001)}{4} \\ = 7.85 × 10^{-5} ext{ m}^2
Therefore, the area of the oval window is approximately 7.85 × 10^{-5} m².