When you hear a 4000 Hz tone,hair cells at one point on the basilar membrane become active.What happens when they double their rate of activity?
A)The pitch is the same, but it is louder.
B)The pitch is the same, but it is softer.
C)The pitch is one octave higher.
D)The pitch is half an octave higher.

Question

When you hear a 4000 Hz tone,hair cells at one point on the basilar membrane become active.What happens when they double their rate of activity?​
A)The pitch is the same, but it is louder.
B)​The pitch is the same, but it is softer.
C)​The pitch is one octave higher.
D)​The pitch is half an octave higher.

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The pitch of a sound is determined by the frequency of the sound wave, which in this case is 4000 Hz. Doubling the rate of activity of the hair cells does not change the frequency of the sound wave but indicates an increase in the amplitude of the vibrations, which is perceived as an increase in loudness, not a change in pitch.

When You Hear a 4000 Hz Tone,hair Cells at One