Audible Range and Beyond
Audible range is the range of frequencies that humans can normally hear, about 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz.
Practice This ConceptMain explanation
Teacher explanation
Sounds below 20 Hz are called infrasound, and sounds above 20,000 Hz are called ultrasound. Humans normally cannot hear infrasound or ultrasound, but some animals can detect frequencies outside the human hearing range. Ultrasound is useful because it can travel in a directed way and reflect from small objects.
Example
Bats use ultrasound for navigation, while elephants can communicate using low-frequency infrasound over long distances.
Simple analogy
Under 20 is infra; over 20,000 is ultra.
Common confusion
Students often think ultrasound means very loud sound. It actually means sound with frequency above 20,000 Hz.
Exam tip
Write the numerical range with units: 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz. Then classify below as infrasound and above as ultrasound.
Study the audible range and beyond diagram carefully
Use the labelled diagram to keep audible range and beyond clear in short answers and revision.
What this diagram makes clear
This diagram keeps the labels and direction of audible range and beyond in the right order.
Where this helps in exams
Use this for labelled diagram work and short exam answers on audible range and beyond.
Revision cue
Revise audible range and beyond through the labels before writing the answer.
Answer writing and exam use
1-mark use
Write the exact meaning of audible range and beyond in one clean line.
2-mark use
Define audible range and beyond and add one example or condition.
3-mark use
Explain audible range and beyond, show the method or example, and mention the common mistake.
Practice this concept with focused MCQs
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