Chapter 10, Problem 17STP

To determine

To identify: Whether the sound waves travel faster or slower than those travelling through inner ear.

Answer to Problem 17STP

Sound waves will travel faster.

Explanation of Solution

Introduction:

Sound (form of energy) can be heard and also travel as waves. Sound waves can travel via liquid, solids materials and gases.

Sound waves are mechanical waves that are propagated by vibrations on the media. So, as density of any medium increases, speed of the sound will also be increase.

In human ear, sound vibrations are transmitted into membrane and further transmitted into inner ear. Human’s inner ear contains cochlea. Cochlea is spiral-shaped structure which contains tiny hair cells and filled with liquid.

Now, when these tiny hair cells (in cochlea) start vibrating, nerve impulses are directed via auditory nerve to the brain by converting into electromagnetic signals.

In human inner ear, once the sound waves are converted or changed into electromagnetic signals, it will travel faster to the brain as it is a nerve signal.

Conclusion:

Speed of the sound is greater in liquids as compared to air.