Question

The human ear can detect continuous sounds in the frequency range from 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz. Assuming that the speed of sound in air is 330 m s⁻¹ for all frequencies, calculate the wavelengths corresponding to the given extreme frequencies of the audible range.

Answer 1

The audible range of hearing for a normal human ear is 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz.

Speed of sound in air, v = 330 m s⁻¹

Speed, wavelength and frequency are related as

v = nλ

`:. lambda = v/n`

n_lower = 20 Hz

n_upper  = 20,000 Hz

`:. lambda_"lower" = v/(n_"lower")`

= `330/20`

= 16.5 m

Similarly, `lambda_"upper" = v/n_"upper"`

= `330/20000`

= 0.0165 m