Determining frequency of sound using a calibrated cathode ray oscilloscope

In summary, A cathode ray oscilloscope is a device that visually displays voltage vs. time and can be used to measure the frequency of a sound wave by measuring its period. This can be done by connecting the oscilloscope probe to a microphone output and observing the waveform on the display.
  • #1
RigidBody
12
0
hi, i have an exam on wave properties in a week. and i found this on the syllabus. i can't remember learning it let alone what a cathode ray oscilloscope is (an electron gun thingymajig?) my textbooks don't explain it well. so if you know how to determine the frequency of sound using a calibrated cathode ray oscilloscope, please help. :eek: :bugeye: :cool: :confused:
 
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  • #2
A cathode ray oscilloscope is not much different from a voltmeter, except it visually displays voltage (x direction) vs. time (y direction).

Newer oscilloscopes have nice internal markers on the display, and are calibrated in a way that one can measure the period of the wave, the amount of time for one cycle of the sound wave occurs in.

Frequency = 1/period. This is how you calculate the frequency of the sound wave.
 
  • #3
yay thanks
 
  • #4
Hammie said:
A cathode ray oscilloscope is not much different from a voltmeter, except it visually displays voltage (x direction) vs. time (y direction).
Small typo -- voltage is on the vertical y-axis and time is on the horizontal x axis. Here's a link to a popular oscilloscope brand. You will probably recognize the instrument when you see it. To measure the period or frequency of a sound, you would connect your oscilloscope probe to a microphone output, and observe the time waveform on the 'scope display.

http://www.lecroy.com/
 

1. How does a calibrated cathode ray oscilloscope determine the frequency of sound?

A cathode ray oscilloscope works by measuring the voltage of an input signal and displaying it as a visual waveform on a screen. The frequency of the sound can be determined by measuring the time it takes for the waveform to complete one full cycle.

2. What is the process for calibrating a cathode ray oscilloscope?

To calibrate a cathode ray oscilloscope, a known input signal of a specific frequency is applied to the oscilloscope. The horizontal and vertical scales are adjusted until the waveform on the screen matches the known input signal. This ensures that the oscilloscope is accurately displaying the input signal.

3. Can a calibrated cathode ray oscilloscope determine the frequency of any sound?

A calibrated cathode ray oscilloscope can determine the frequency of any sound within its range of measurement. However, it may not be able to accurately measure very low or very high frequencies, depending on the capabilities of the specific oscilloscope.

4. What are some factors that can affect the accuracy of frequency measurement using a calibrated cathode ray oscilloscope?

The accuracy of frequency measurement using a calibrated cathode ray oscilloscope can be affected by factors such as the quality of the input signal, the precision of the oscilloscope's calibration, and external interference or noise.

5. Can a calibrated cathode ray oscilloscope be used to measure the frequency of multiple sound sources at once?

No, a calibrated cathode ray oscilloscope can only accurately measure the frequency of one sound source at a time. Trying to measure multiple sound sources simultaneously would result in a distorted waveform and inaccurate frequency measurement.

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