GCSE Combined Science (AQA)

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Measuring Speed of Sound - Oscilloscope

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Waves Waves in air, fluids and solids

Measuring Speed of Sound - Oscilloscope

4:56 Wave Speed
Spec 4.6.1.2
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  • An oscilloscope records and displays sound waves from connected microphones.
  • Microphones detect sound waves and convert them to electrical signals.
  • The oscilloscope displays wave patterns on a screen, showing wave properties.
  • Wave patterns are shown on a centimeter square grid, representing sound waves.
  • Sound waves are longitudinal, but the oscilloscope shows displacement over time.
  • The x-axis on the oscilloscope represents time; each centimeter equals one millisecond.
  • The distance between peaks on the display measures the period, not the wavelength.
  • Oscilloscopes are used in GCSE to measure the speed of sound.
  • To measure sound speed: connect two microphones to the oscilloscope and measure the distance between them.
  • Play a short sound pulse through both microphones.
  • Use the oscilloscope to determine the time difference between sound detection by each microphone.
  • Adjust the timescale on the oscilloscope for clear signal visibility.
  • Calculate wave speed using distance and time measurements.
  • Example calculation: 0.8 meters distance, 2.5 milliseconds time, resulting in 320 meters per second speed of sound.
  • Understanding oscilloscope readings is important for exam questions on measuring sound speed.

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