A sound wave produces a maximum increase in pressure on an eardrum of 2.0×10−3 N m−22.0 \times 10^{-3}\text{ N m}^{-2}2.0×10−3 N m−2. This causes a maximum increase in pressure in the fluid of the inner ear of 5.0×10−2 N m−25.0 \times 10^{-2}\text{ N m}^{-2}5.0×10−2 N m−2.
Explain how the ossicles contribute to this increase in pressure in the fluid of the inner ear.
The ear's tympanic membrane (eardrum) can be assumed to be a circle of diameter 1.2 cm1.2\text{ cm}1.2 cm. Assuming that the lever action of the ossicles multiplies the force transmitted to the oval window by a factor of 1.5, calculate the area, in m2\text{m}^2m2, of the oval window.
14 exam-style questions on AQA A Level Physics Physics of the ear (A-level only), covering Ear as a sound detection system (A-level only), Sensitivity and frequency response (A-level only), and Defects of hearing (A-level only). Each one has a worked solution and a mark scheme showing where the marks go.