Sound Waves
2 marks · EasyA microphone is connected to an oscilloscope showing a sound wave. The trace shows a high number of waves close together. What does this tell you about the pitch of the sound, and why?
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Show answer
The pitch is high because the frequency is high (many waves per second).
Also accept: High pitch because the sound has a high frequency shown by closely spaced waves.
Common mistakes: High amplitude; Loud sound
Show mark scheme and worked solution
Marking points
B1 · 1 mark · Identifies high pitch (not loudness).
B1 · 1 mark · Links high pitch to closely spaced/high frequency waves.
Worked solution
The sound has a high pitch, because the wave on the oscilloscope has a high frequency (lots of complete waves per second).