Edexcel IGCSE Physics 3 27p Sound Frequency Practical Questions

Connect a microphone to the oscilloscope, stabilise the trace, and use one or more cycles to measure period before finding frequency.

Exam points

Describe connecting a microphone, obtaining a steady trace and displaying at least one complete cycle.
Measure one complete period in screen divisions and multiply by the timebase to obtain seconds.
Use several displayed cycles to average a period and reduce reading error.
Calculate sound-wave frequency from the measured period using f = 1/T, expressing the result in hertz.
Draw a trace with a period matching a stated frequency and the oscilloscope timebase.

[Maximum number: 3]

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) machines can take scans of the inside of a patient.

During the scan, music can be played through a loudspeaker to the patient.

The oscilloscope trace in the diagram represents a sound played to the patient.

Figure for Question Edexcel IGCSE Physics 3 27p Sound Frequency Practical Questions question 1 — Edexcel IGCSE Physics

Determine the period of the sound wave.

period = ............ s

Marking points:
- period given as 4 squares
- correct use of x scale
- subsequent correct evaluation of period

Example:
$\text{period}=4\ \text{squares}$ $\text{period}=4\times\frac{0.50}{1000}$ $\text{period}=2.0\times10^{-3}\ \mathrm{s}$

Accept:
- ECF candidate's reading of period in squares
- $2.0\ \mathrm{ms}$

Marking guidance:
- Deduct 1 mark for a power-of-ten error.

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Edexcel IGCSE Physics 3 27p Sound Frequency Practical Questions question 1