Uses of an oscilloscope

Fig. 8.1 gives the basic layout of a cathode-ray oscilloscope (c.r.o.). Several components are missing. Electrons are released from the filament by thermionic emission.

May/June 2015

A student uses a cathode-ray oscilloscope (c.r.o.) to measure a voltage.

May/June 2015

Fig. 9.1 shows a cathode-ray oscilloscope (c.r.o.). An alternating-voltage supply is connected to the input, and the trace obtained is shown.

May/June 2016

Fig. 10.1 illustrates the fundamental arrangement of a cathode-ray oscilloscope (c.r.o.). Electrons land on the centre of the screen, creating a bright spot. A microphone is attached to a c.r.o. so that a sound wave can be shown. Fig. 10.2 presents the trace on the c.r.o. The c.r.o. settings are: Y-gain $0.5\,\text{V/division}$; time base $2.0\,\text{ms/division}$.

May/June 2016

An oscilloscope is used to measure potential difference (p.d.). The trace with nothing connected to the input is shown. A $1.5\,\text{V}$ d.c. supply is connected to the oscilloscope. The Y-gain is set at $0.5\,\text{V/div}$. The time-base is set at $0.5\,\text{ms/div}$. Which trace shows a supply of $1.5\,\text{V}$ d.c.?

May/June 2018

An a.c. voltage appears on an oscilloscope screen. The Y-gain is set at $2.0\,\text{V cm}^{-1}$. What is the maximum value of the voltage?

May/June 2023

A musical note is generated by two sources. The traces made by each source on the screen of a cathode-ray oscilloscope (c.r.o.) are shown below. What difference is there between the sounds?

Oct/Nov 2015

The diagram illustrates a cathode-ray tube. The dotted line indicates the route taken by a beam of electrons. The beam strikes the screen at point X and creates a bright spot. P and Q are horizontal plates positioned on either side of the beam. Which change will cause the bright spot to appear at a different position on the screen?

Oct/Nov 2016

An oscilloscope is linked to a d.c. power supply. The time-base on the oscilloscope is turned off. What is observed on the oscilloscope screen?

Oct/Nov 2018

When an a.c. supply is connected to an oscilloscope, the trace shown below is produced. A diode is then added in series to the circuit, as illustrated. What trace now appears on the screen?

Oct/Nov 2019

The oscilloscope screen trace is shown when it is linked to a d.c. supply that is being turned on and off. The Y-gain control setting and the time base control setting are given. The supply voltage is $v$. The supply is turned on $f$ times each second. What are the values of $v$ and $f$?

Oct/Nov 2019

An electric circuit is made up of a $700\,\Omega$ resistor together with a light-dependent resistor (LDR). Fig. 6.1 gives the circuit diagram. The battery has an electromotive force (e.m.f.) of $12\,\text{V}$. An oscilloscope is attached across the fixed resistor. Fig. 6.2 displays the oscilloscope, with the timebase and Y-gain control settings shown. Line Q indicates where the trace lies on the oscilloscope when switch S is open.

Oct/Nov 2019

A cathode-ray oscilloscope has its Y-gain adjusted to $2\ \text{V/division}$ and is linked to a generator. Which row gives the description of the generator’s signal and its amplitude?

Oct/Nov 2020

An oscilloscope is used to display a sound. Which aspect of the oscilloscope trace is influenced by the quality (timbre) of the sound?

Oct/Nov 2022

The diagram illustrates the waveform seen on the oscilloscope screen as a result of an alternating voltage input. The time-base on the oscilloscope is adjusted to $4\ \text{ms}/\text{cm}$. How will the trace appear when the time base is changed to $2\ \text{ms}/\text{cm}$?

Oct/Nov 2023