Uses of an oscilloscope: past paper questions
Real questions on uses of an oscilloscope
The newest 5 of 5 written questions. Open one to see it on the real paper.
- 5054/21 · May/June 2025 · Q7c(i)[1]
On Fig. 7.2, draw a trace representing an alternating output voltage on the screen.
See it on the paper → - 5054/21 · May/June 2025 · Q7c(ii)[2]
Describe how to use the trace to measure the maximum value of the output voltage.
See it on the paper → - 5054/21 · October/November 2020 · Q10c(iii)[3]
One input terminal of an oscilloscope is connected to the wire at point P, the 0 cm mark of the metre rule. The other terminal of the oscilloscope is connected to a sliding contact. Initially, this contact touches the wire at point P. The Y-gain setting on the oscilloscope is 0.20 V / cm. Fig. 10.4 shows the screen of...
See it on the paper → - 5054/21 · October/November 2020 · Q10d(ii)[2]
State and explain the effect on the trace in (c)(iii) of adding the second cell in parallel.
See it on the paper → - 5054/22 · May/June 2020 · Q10b(i)[2]
Calculate the amplitude of the trace shown in Fig. 10.1. amplitude =
See it on the paper →
What examiners said
Only the strongest candidates had any understanding of how to use an oscilloscope. Candidates needed to understand what the Y-gain setting of an oscilloscope meant. The fact that the setting was given as 0.20 V/cm was usually ignored. Despite being told that the oscilloscope had a horizontal trace across the middle of the screen, most candidates stated that the trace observed would be a (sine) wav...
— Examiner report, October/November 2020, 5054/21 Q10(c)(iii) (Cambridge)
The effect on the oscilloscope trace of adding the second cell in parallel was only understood by stronger candidates. These candidates realised that the addition of this second cell would have no effect.
— Examiner report, October/November 2020, 5054/21 Q10(d)(ii) (Cambridge)
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