You are listening to music with a wide dynamic range. In the world of amplitude, what do the louder and softer sounds have to do with the air and your ears?
A) The louder sounds cause air to press with more force on your ears.
B) The louder sounds cause the air around your ears to rise in temperature more rapidly.
C) The louder sounds move faster through the air in your ear canals.
D) All of these.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Louder sounds have a greater amplitude or intensity, which causes more air molecules to vibrate and therefore move with greater force. This increased force is what causes the sensation of a louder sound and puts more pressure on the ear drum. So, the louder sounds cause air to press with more force on your ears. Option B is incorrect because sound waves do not typically increase temperature in the air. Option C is also incorrect as the speed of sound is constant, and a change in loudness/intensity does not affect the speed of the sound waves in your ears.

You Are Listening to Music with a Wide Dynamic Range