Conceptual Physics (12th Edition)

Published by Addison-Wesley
ISBN 10: 0321909100
ISBN 13: 978-0-32190-910-7

Chapter 21 - Think and Discuss - Page 403: 77

Answer

No: the same physical sound waves arrive at our ears, but physiologically, our ears respond differently. For example, a child will hear a wider range of frequencies than an adult will.

Work Step by Step

Speaking more generally, our brain and heart also affect what we "hear" when we listen attentively. A trained musician or audiophile will pick out nuances and probably appreciate the music at a different level from a lay musician. This is similar to how a trained artist or an oenophile might perceive a painting or a glass of wine differently from a random person on the street. Similar comments can be made about how we smell or sense texture. It logically follows (at least I think so, lol) that people will not all come to the same conclusion when listening to (what one person considers to be) a logical presentation of ideas.
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