Question

The human ear is equipped to register sounds of frequencies between
A) 20 to 20,000 cycles per second
B) 1000 to 2000 cycles per second
C) 5000 to 7000 cycles per second
D) 5000 to 10,000 cycles per second
E) 10,000 to 20,000 cycles per second

Answer 1

Hint: Human ear is primarily concerned with sound detection, transmission, and transduction. Another essential feature of the human ear is to maintain a sense of balance. Hearing and balance are two main functions of the ears, which are dependent on specialized receptors known as hair cells.

Complete answer:
Frequencies between 20 Hz and 20 kHz are readily detectable by the human ear. As a result, audible sound is described as sound waves with a frequency ranging from 20 Hz to 20 kHz. If the pressure differences in the air are within the audible frequency range, the human ear is sensitive to them. It can detect pressure differences of less than a billionth of an atmosphere.

The middle ear is best known for its function as an ear's sound amplifier. The sound is amplified by ear ossicles. In the audible frequency range of 20 Hz - 20,000 Hz or cycles per second, the human ear can respond to minute pressure vibrations in the air. Hence, the human ear is equipped to register sounds of frequencies between 20 to 20,000 cycles per second.

Thus the correct answer is option ‘A’.

Note: Most people can hear sounds of frequencies ranging from 20 to 20,000 Hz. Human speech contains frequencies ranging from 150 to 7000 hertz, which are responsible for making a sound unpleasant (Hz). The offending frequencies were in the 2000–4000 Hz range.