Final Answer
The force on the eardrum can be calculated using the mechanical advantage of the middle ear system. If the force on the oval window is 0.01N, the force on the eardrum is approximately 17.5N.
Step-by-step explanation
The middle ear functions as a lever system, amplifying the force exerted on the eardrum. This lever system is governed by the ossicles—specifically, the ratio of the areas of the eardrum and oval window. The eardrum is about 17.5 times larger in area than the oval window.
The mechanical advantage (MA) of the middle ear lever system can be determined using the formula MA = Area of eardrum / Area of oval window. Assuming the force applied on the oval window is 0.01N, and if we represent the force on the eardrum as F_e, we can use the formula for mechanical advantage to solve for F_e.
MA = F_e / F_ow, where F_ow is the force on the oval window.
Rearranging the formula to solve for F_e: F_e = MA × F_ow.
Given that the force on the oval window is 0.01N and the mechanical advantage is 17.5 (as determined by the area ratio), substituting these values into the formula gives us F_e = 17.5 × 0.01N = 0.175N. Therefore, the force exerted on the eardrum is approximately 0.175N, representing the amplification of force achieved by the middle ear lever system.