This is a standard demonstration used in many schools and colleges to demonstrate the basic principles of waves.
A
signal generator is connected to an
oscilloscope & a
loudspeaker. Some signal generators have two outputs:
In this case the high impedence output goes to the osciiloscope, the low to the speaker.
If there is only one output connection
stackable 4mm plugs[?] are used to connect both devices to the signal generator.
The oscilloscope is adjusted so that there is a clear sine wave trace that extend for about half the screen and has two or three clear waves visible when the signal generator is set at a medium frequency and mid volume.
The advantage of setting the demonstration up in this manner over the more traditional plugging a microphone into the input of the scope, is that the signal generator produces perfect sine waves which keeps everything nice and straightforward.
- By changing the frequency of the signal generator the effect can be both seen on the 'scope and heard on the loud speaker.With a higher frquency showing more complete waves on the screen and a higher pitch of the sound.
- By changine the attenuation (volume)of the signal generator the amplitude of the waveform on the scope can be seen to change & the loudness of the speaker sound changes.
Demonstrating properties of waves with a ripple tank
