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What is the place theory of hearing?

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Acoustics — acoustics Artificial omni-directional sound source in an anechoic acoustic chamber.

The place theory of hearing posits that the cochlea distinguishes sound pitch based on the specific location of maximum vibration along the basilar membrane.1

Rather than relying on a series of independent resonators, as once proposed by Hermann von Helmholtz, the theory is supported by the work of Georg von Békésy. His research demonstrated that the basilar membrane possesses physical properties—such as varying width, mass, and stiffness—that change continuously from its base to its apex. Consequently, different frequencies cause the membrane to vibrate most vigorously at different points:

High-frequency sounds cause the basal end of the membrane to vibrate.
Low-frequency sounds cause the apical end of the membrane to vibrate.

When a sound wave travels along the membrane, it reaches a peak amplitude at a location corresponding to its frequency. This vibration stimulates specific hair cells in the organ of Corti, which then transmit nerve impulses to the brain. The brain identifies the pitch by recognizing which group of nerve fibres is activated.1