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Human Biology 4HB1 | Paper 1 Mock 01 | Written Paper 1

Question 1 Report

Fig. 1 shows a worker fitting ear defenders before using a metal cutting machine. The machine produces sound waves that can make the eardrum vibrate. The worker's employer measures the sound level and requires ear defenders when the level is high. The diagram shows how the defenders cover the outer ear, reducing the energy of sound that reaches the ear canal.

U© EAGLE BEACON GLOBAL

(a) Name the structure labelled U. [1]
(b) Describe what happens to the eardrum when sound waves reach it. [2]
(c) Explain how ear defenders reduce the risk of hearing damage. [3]
(d) State the type of energy carried by sound waves. [1]
(e) Which cells in the ear are damaged by very loud sound: receptor cells or red blood cells? [1]
(f) Explain why damage to these cells can cause permanent hearing loss. [2]

Answer Details

(a) U is an ear defender or ear muff. [1]

(b) When sound waves reach the eardrum, it vibrates. Its vibrations have the frequency of the sound waves and are passed onwards through the ear. [2]

(c) Ear defenders absorb or block some sound energy. Consequently, smaller vibrations reach the eardrum and inner ear. This reduces the chance that the inner-ear receptor cells will be damaged. [3]

(d) Sound waves carry sound energy. [1]

(e) Very loud sound can damage receptor cells, not red blood cells. [1]

(f) Hearing receptor cells convert vibrations into nerve impulses. If these cells are damaged, they do not repair or regenerate, so the loss of hearing can be permanent. [2]

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