What is the normal audible hearing range for humans expressed in hertz (Hz)?

Introduction / Context:

The human ear can detect sounds within a particular frequency range, and this range is commonly expressed in hertz (Hz), which measures the number of vibrations per second. This concept is important in physics, biology, and everyday applications such as audio engineering and hearing health. The question asks the learner to recall the standard range of frequencies that an average healthy young human can hear, a fact that is frequently tested in general science exams.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The question is about the hearing range of human beings, measured in hertz.
• Several ranges are given as options, each with a different lower and upper limit.
• We assume normal hearing ability in a healthy young adult.
• We ignore age related changes or hearing loss for this basic fact.

Concept / Approach:

The generally accepted audible frequency range for humans is from about 20 Hz to about 20,000 Hz. Frequencies below 20 Hz are called infrasonic, and frequencies above 20,000 Hz are called ultrasonic, both of which are not normally heard by humans. Many animals such as dogs and bats can hear higher frequencies, but for humans, the typical textbook value is 20 to 20,000 Hz. Among the options, this exact range appears and must be selected over approximations that start at 30, 40, or 50 Hz or extend to 50,000 Hz.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Step 1: Recall the standard human hearing range taught in physics and biology as a basic fact. Step 2: Remember that the lower limit is 20 Hz and the upper limit is 20,000 Hz. Step 3: Look through the options to find a range that exactly matches 20 to 20,000 Hz. Step 4: Eliminate ranges that begin at higher values such as 30, 40, or 50 Hz or that extend far beyond 20,000 Hz. Step 5: Select 20 to 20,000 Hz as the correct answer.

Verification / Alternative check:

Physics and biology textbooks consistently state that the approximate hearing range of humans is from 20 Hz to 20 kHz (20,000 Hz). Many audio devices, earphones, and speakers specify their frequency response, often starting around this same range. Scientific discussions of ultrasonic devices mention that such sounds are above 20,000 Hz and are not audible to humans. These references from different contexts all confirm the standard range as 20 to 20,000 Hz.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

Option A, 50 to 50,000 Hz, is incorrect because it both raises the lower limit and extends the upper limit too far. Option B, 40 to 40,000 Hz, again does not match the standard textbook range. Option C, 30 to 30,000 Hz, incorrectly states both endpoints. Option E, 15 to 15,000 Hz, lowers the lower limit and reduces the upper limit below commonly accepted values. None of these match the textbook value of 20 to 20,000 Hz for human hearing.

Common Pitfalls:

Students often misremember the exact numbers and choose approximate looking ranges like 30 to 30,000 Hz if they recall the numbers 30 and 30,000 from somewhere. Another error is to confuse the range of human hearing with the capabilities of animals or special instruments. To prevent these mistakes, learners should repeatedly write and memorise the key value as 20 Hz to 20 kHz and associate it with the phrase “normal human hearing range”.

Final Answer:

The normal audible hearing range for humans is 20 to 20,000 Hz.