Oscilloscope Traces

Looking at sound waves• You can’t see a

sound wave. But you can use an oscilloscope to make a trace which looks the same as the sound wave you are hearing.

OSCILLOSCOPE

Trace

How is the trace made ?

OSCILLOSCOPE

A microphone can pick up the sound wave and turn it into an electrical wave.

The electrical wave goes into the oscilloscope and makes the trace appear.

Loud and Soft Sounds

When a loud sound is made the trace has very tall waves.

When a soft sound is made the trace has very small waves.

High and Low Sounds

When a high frequency sound is made the waves are very close together.

When a low frequency sound is made the waves are very far apart.