10.2.1
Structure of the Ear
The Structure of the Ear
The Structure of the Ear
The ear converts vibrations and pressure in the air into sound which we understand.


How we hear
How we hear
- The sound wave that arrives at the ear is a pressure wave.
- The ear converts sound waves into electrical nerve impulses, similar to a microphone.
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Structure of the ear
Structure of the ear
- The outer ear, or ear canal, carries sound to the recessed protected eardrum.
- The air column in the ear canal resonates and is partially responsible for the sensitivity of the ear to sounds in the 2,000 to 5,000 Hz range.
- The middle ear converts sound into mechanical vibrations and applies these vibrations to the cochlea.
- The sound is then reduced in amplitude so no damage is caused and we can hear safely.
1Measurements & Errors
1.1Measurements & Errors
1.1.1SI Base Units
1.1.2Combining SI Units
1.1.3Prefixes of Units
1.1.4Standard Form
1.1.5Converting Units
1.1.6End of Topic Test - Units & Prefixes
1.1.7Limitation of Physical Measurements
1.1.8Uncertainty
1.1.9Estimation
1.1.10End of Topic Test - Measurements & Errors
1.1.11Diagnostic Misconceptions - Converting between SI
1.1.12Diagnostic Misconceptions - SI & Area/Volume
2Particles & Radiation
2.1Particles
2.1.1Atomic Model
2.1.2Specific Charge, Protons & Neutron Numbers
2.1.3End of Topic Test - Atomic Model
2.1.4Isotopes
2.1.5Stable & Unstable Nuclei
2.1.6End of Topic Test - Isotopes & Nuclei
2.1.7A-A* (AO3/4) - Stable & Unstable Nuclei
2.1.8Particles, Antiparticles & Photons
2.1.9Particle Interactions
2.1.10Classification of Particles
2.1.11End of Topic Test - Particles & Interactions
2.1.12Quarks & Antiquarks
2.1.13Application of Conservation Laws
2.1.14End of Topic Test - Leptons & Quarks
2.1.15Exam-Style Question - Radioactive Decay
2.2Electromagnetic Radiation & Quantum Phenomena
2.2.1The Photoelectric Effect
2.2.2The Photoelectric Effect Explanation
2.2.3End of Topic Test - The Photoelectric Effect
2.2.4Collisions of Electrons with Atoms
2.2.5Energy Levels & Photon Emission
2.2.6Wave-Particle Duality
2.2.7End of Topic Test - Absorption & Emission
2.2.8Diagnostic Misconceptions - Electron Volts
2.2.9Diagnostic Misconceptions - Converting eV & Joules
3Waves
3.1Progressive & Stationary Waves
3.2Refraction, Diffraction & Interference
4Mechanics & Materials
4.1Force, Energy & Momentum
4.1.1Scalars & Vectors
4.1.2Vector Problems
4.1.3End of Topic Test - Scalars & Vectors
4.1.4Moments
4.1.5Centre of Mass
4.1.6End of Topic Test - Moments & Centre of Mass
4.1.7Motion in a Straight Line
4.1.8Graphs of Motion
4.1.9Bouncing Ball Example
4.1.10End of Topic Test - Motion in a Straight Line
4.1.11Acceleration Due to Gravity
4.1.12Projectile Motion
4.1.13Friction
4.1.14Terminal Speed
4.1.15End of Topic Test - Acceleration Due to Gravity
4.1.16Newton's Laws
4.1.17Momentum
4.1.18Momentum 2
4.1.19End of Topic Test - Newton's Laws & Momentum
4.1.20A-A* (AO3/4) - Newton's Third Law
4.1.21Work & Energy
4.1.22Power & Efficiency
4.1.23Conservation of Energy
4.1.24End of Topic Test - Work, Energy & Power
4.1.25Exam-Style Question - Forces
4.1.26Diagnostic Misconceptions - Perpendicular Vectors
4.1.27Diagnostic Misconceptions - Weight Acts Downwards
4.1.28Diagnostic Misconceptions - Acceleration Direction
4.1.29Diagnostic Misconceptions - Stationary Objects
4.1.30Diagnostic Misconceptions - Action & Reaction
4.1.31Diagnostic Misconceptions - RF Direction
4.1.32Diagnostic Misconceptions - RF Acceleration
4.1.33Diagnostic Misconceptions - Change in Momentum
5Electricity
5.1Current Electricity
5.1.1Basics of Electricity
5.1.2Current-Voltage Characteristics
5.1.3End of Topic Test - Basics of Electricity
5.1.4Resistivity
5.1.5Superconductivity
5.1.6A-A* (AO3/4) - Superconductivity
5.1.7End of Topic Test - Resistivity & Superconductors
5.1.8Circuits
5.1.9Power and Conservation
5.1.10Potential Divider
5.1.11Emf & Internal Resistance
5.1.12End of Topic Test - Power & Potential
5.1.13Exam-Style Question - Resistance
5.1.14Diagnostic Misconceptions - Constant Current
5.1.15Diagnostic Misconceptions - Potential Difference
6Further Mechanics & Thermal Physics (A2 only)
6.1Periodic Motion (A2 only)
6.2Thermal Physics (A2 only)
6.2.1Thermal Energy Transfer
6.2.2Thermal Energy Transfer Experiments
6.2.3Ideal Gases
6.2.4Ideal Gases 2
6.2.5Boyle's Law & Charles' Law
6.2.6Molecular Kinetic Theory Model
6.2.7Molecular Kinetic Theory Model 2
6.2.8End of Topic Test - Thermal Energy & Ideal Gases
6.2.9Exam-Style Question - Ideal Gases
6.2.10Diagnostic Misconceptions - Material & Mass
6.2.11Diagnostic Misconceptions - No Energy
7Fields & Their Consequences (A2 only)
7.1Fields (A2 only)
7.2Gravitational Fields (A2 only)
7.3Electric Fields (A2 only)
7.4Capacitance (A2 only)
7.5Magnetic Fields (A2 only)
7.5.1Magnetic Flux Density
7.5.2End of Topic Test - Capacitance & Flux Density
7.5.3Moving Charges in a Magnetic Field
7.5.4Magnetic Flux & Flux Linkage
7.5.5Electromagnetic Induction
7.5.6Electromagnetic Induction 2
7.5.7Alternating Currents
7.5.8Operation of a Transformer
7.5.9Magnetic Flux Density
7.5.10End of Topic Test - Electromagnetic Induction
8Nuclear Physics (A2 only)
8.1Radioactivity (A2 only)
8.1.1Rutherford Scattering
8.1.2Alpha & Beta Radiation
8.1.3Gamma Radiation
8.1.4Radioactive Decay
8.1.5Half Life
8.1.6End of Topic Test - Radioactivity
8.1.7Nuclear Instability
8.1.8Nuclear Radius
8.1.9Mass & Energy
8.1.10Binding Energy
8.1.11Induced Fission
8.1.12Safety Aspects of Nuclear Reactors
8.1.13End of Topic Test - Nuclear Physics
8.1.14A-A* (AO3/4) - Nuclear Fusion
9Option: Astrophysics (A2 only)
9.1Telescopes (A2 only)
9.2Classification of Stars (A2 only)
9.3Cosmology (A2 only)
10Option: Medical Physics (A2 only)
10.1Physics of the Eye (A2 only)
10.2Physics of the Ear (A2 only)
10.3Biological Measurement (A2 only)
10.4Non-Ionising Imaging (A2 only)
10.5X-Ray Imaging (A2 only)
10.6Radionuclide Imaging & Therapy (A2 only)
11Option: Engineering Physics (A2 only)
11.1Rotational Dynamics (A2 only)
11.2Thermodynamics & Engines (A2 only)
12Option: Turning Points in Physics (A2 only)
12.1Discovery of the Electron (A2 only)
12.2Wave-Particle Duality (A2 only)
Jump to other topics
1Measurements & Errors
1.1Measurements & Errors
1.1.1SI Base Units
1.1.2Combining SI Units
1.1.3Prefixes of Units
1.1.4Standard Form
1.1.5Converting Units
1.1.6End of Topic Test - Units & Prefixes
1.1.7Limitation of Physical Measurements
1.1.8Uncertainty
1.1.9Estimation
1.1.10End of Topic Test - Measurements & Errors
1.1.11Diagnostic Misconceptions - Converting between SI
1.1.12Diagnostic Misconceptions - SI & Area/Volume
2Particles & Radiation
2.1Particles
2.1.1Atomic Model
2.1.2Specific Charge, Protons & Neutron Numbers
2.1.3End of Topic Test - Atomic Model
2.1.4Isotopes
2.1.5Stable & Unstable Nuclei
2.1.6End of Topic Test - Isotopes & Nuclei
2.1.7A-A* (AO3/4) - Stable & Unstable Nuclei
2.1.8Particles, Antiparticles & Photons
2.1.9Particle Interactions
2.1.10Classification of Particles
2.1.11End of Topic Test - Particles & Interactions
2.1.12Quarks & Antiquarks
2.1.13Application of Conservation Laws
2.1.14End of Topic Test - Leptons & Quarks
2.1.15Exam-Style Question - Radioactive Decay
2.2Electromagnetic Radiation & Quantum Phenomena
2.2.1The Photoelectric Effect
2.2.2The Photoelectric Effect Explanation
2.2.3End of Topic Test - The Photoelectric Effect
2.2.4Collisions of Electrons with Atoms
2.2.5Energy Levels & Photon Emission
2.2.6Wave-Particle Duality
2.2.7End of Topic Test - Absorption & Emission
2.2.8Diagnostic Misconceptions - Electron Volts
2.2.9Diagnostic Misconceptions - Converting eV & Joules
3Waves
3.1Progressive & Stationary Waves
3.2Refraction, Diffraction & Interference
4Mechanics & Materials
4.1Force, Energy & Momentum
4.1.1Scalars & Vectors
4.1.2Vector Problems
4.1.3End of Topic Test - Scalars & Vectors
4.1.4Moments
4.1.5Centre of Mass
4.1.6End of Topic Test - Moments & Centre of Mass
4.1.7Motion in a Straight Line
4.1.8Graphs of Motion
4.1.9Bouncing Ball Example
4.1.10End of Topic Test - Motion in a Straight Line
4.1.11Acceleration Due to Gravity
4.1.12Projectile Motion
4.1.13Friction
4.1.14Terminal Speed
4.1.15End of Topic Test - Acceleration Due to Gravity
4.1.16Newton's Laws
4.1.17Momentum
4.1.18Momentum 2
4.1.19End of Topic Test - Newton's Laws & Momentum
4.1.20A-A* (AO3/4) - Newton's Third Law
4.1.21Work & Energy
4.1.22Power & Efficiency
4.1.23Conservation of Energy
4.1.24End of Topic Test - Work, Energy & Power
4.1.25Exam-Style Question - Forces
4.1.26Diagnostic Misconceptions - Perpendicular Vectors
4.1.27Diagnostic Misconceptions - Weight Acts Downwards
4.1.28Diagnostic Misconceptions - Acceleration Direction
4.1.29Diagnostic Misconceptions - Stationary Objects
4.1.30Diagnostic Misconceptions - Action & Reaction
4.1.31Diagnostic Misconceptions - RF Direction
4.1.32Diagnostic Misconceptions - RF Acceleration
4.1.33Diagnostic Misconceptions - Change in Momentum
5Electricity
5.1Current Electricity
5.1.1Basics of Electricity
5.1.2Current-Voltage Characteristics
5.1.3End of Topic Test - Basics of Electricity
5.1.4Resistivity
5.1.5Superconductivity
5.1.6A-A* (AO3/4) - Superconductivity
5.1.7End of Topic Test - Resistivity & Superconductors
5.1.8Circuits
5.1.9Power and Conservation
5.1.10Potential Divider
5.1.11Emf & Internal Resistance
5.1.12End of Topic Test - Power & Potential
5.1.13Exam-Style Question - Resistance
5.1.14Diagnostic Misconceptions - Constant Current
5.1.15Diagnostic Misconceptions - Potential Difference
6Further Mechanics & Thermal Physics (A2 only)
6.1Periodic Motion (A2 only)
6.2Thermal Physics (A2 only)
6.2.1Thermal Energy Transfer
6.2.2Thermal Energy Transfer Experiments
6.2.3Ideal Gases
6.2.4Ideal Gases 2
6.2.5Boyle's Law & Charles' Law
6.2.6Molecular Kinetic Theory Model
6.2.7Molecular Kinetic Theory Model 2
6.2.8End of Topic Test - Thermal Energy & Ideal Gases
6.2.9Exam-Style Question - Ideal Gases
6.2.10Diagnostic Misconceptions - Material & Mass
6.2.11Diagnostic Misconceptions - No Energy
7Fields & Their Consequences (A2 only)
7.1Fields (A2 only)
7.2Gravitational Fields (A2 only)
7.3Electric Fields (A2 only)
7.4Capacitance (A2 only)
7.5Magnetic Fields (A2 only)
7.5.1Magnetic Flux Density
7.5.2End of Topic Test - Capacitance & Flux Density
7.5.3Moving Charges in a Magnetic Field
7.5.4Magnetic Flux & Flux Linkage
7.5.5Electromagnetic Induction
7.5.6Electromagnetic Induction 2
7.5.7Alternating Currents
7.5.8Operation of a Transformer
7.5.9Magnetic Flux Density
7.5.10End of Topic Test - Electromagnetic Induction
8Nuclear Physics (A2 only)
8.1Radioactivity (A2 only)
8.1.1Rutherford Scattering
8.1.2Alpha & Beta Radiation
8.1.3Gamma Radiation
8.1.4Radioactive Decay
8.1.5Half Life
8.1.6End of Topic Test - Radioactivity
8.1.7Nuclear Instability
8.1.8Nuclear Radius
8.1.9Mass & Energy
8.1.10Binding Energy
8.1.11Induced Fission
8.1.12Safety Aspects of Nuclear Reactors
8.1.13End of Topic Test - Nuclear Physics
8.1.14A-A* (AO3/4) - Nuclear Fusion
9Option: Astrophysics (A2 only)
9.1Telescopes (A2 only)
9.2Classification of Stars (A2 only)
9.3Cosmology (A2 only)
10Option: Medical Physics (A2 only)
10.1Physics of the Eye (A2 only)
10.2Physics of the Ear (A2 only)
10.3Biological Measurement (A2 only)
10.4Non-Ionising Imaging (A2 only)
10.5X-Ray Imaging (A2 only)
10.6Radionuclide Imaging & Therapy (A2 only)
11Option: Engineering Physics (A2 only)
11.1Rotational Dynamics (A2 only)
11.2Thermodynamics & Engines (A2 only)
12Option: Turning Points in Physics (A2 only)
12.1Discovery of the Electron (A2 only)
12.2Wave-Particle Duality (A2 only)
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