The auditory canal is about 2.5 cm long, and since it is much like an open-ended organ pipe, resonance can arise from the production of standing waves in the auditory canal [19]. The velocity of sound in air is vair=331m/s. What is the fundamental frequency of the ear? Please write your answer with integer value. (Hint: This is similar to the formants discussed in week #6.)

f = 3310 Hz

Explanation: length of auditory canal (pipe) = 2.5cm =0.025m

Since we are assuming it to be an open ended pipe (opened at one end, closed at the other), the length of air is related to wavelength of sound at fundamental frequency is given below as

l = λ/4

λ = 4l

λ = 4(0.025)

λ = 0.1 m

But v=fλ where v is the speed of sound in the ear = 331 m/s and f = frequency of sound.

331 = f(0.1)

f = 331/0.1

f = 3310 Hz

true tan speed = ang vel x radius