Helmholtz’s Place Resonance Theory

Definition

Helmholtz’s Place Resonance Theory is a theory of hearing that suggests different pitches are perceived based on the specific location along the basilar membrane where the most vibration occurs. In other words, different areas of the basilar membrane correspond to different frequencies.

Related terms

Frequency Theory:

This theory suggests that pitch perception is determined by how fast hair cells in the cochlea vibrate in response to sound waves.

Place Theory:

This theory proposes that pitch perception is based on the specific area along the basilar membrane that vibrates most intensely in response to certain frequencies.

Resonance: It refers to the amplification or reinforcement of sound waves at a particular frequency when an object's natural frequency matches it.