# A microphone connected to an oscilloscope is used to display two different sound waves, X and Y. Wave X has a greater amplitude than wave Y, but wave Y has a shorter time period than wave X. Describe the differences in what a listener would hear when listening to wave X compared to wave Y.

> Pearson Edexcel International GCSE Physics (4PH1) — 3.1 Properties of waves · Describe · 4 marks

> A microphone converts the particle oscillations of a sound wave into an electrical signal that is displayed on an oscilloscope. The oscilloscope shows how the voltage of the signal varies with time.

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. Wave X is louder than wave Y
2. Because wave X has a greater amplitude (than wave Y)
3. Wave Y has a higher pitch than wave X
4. Because wave Y has a shorter time period, meaning it has a higher frequency (than wave X)

## Key terms

- [amplitude](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/amplitude)
- [time period](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/time-period)

## Related

- [Revision notes for Pearson Edexcel International GCSE Physics (4PH1)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Describe" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/a-microphone-connected-to-an-oscilloscope-df8f01cf) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.