Brett N
Aim: To investigate a mouses response to different frequencies of sound.
PROBLEMS ENCOUNTERED:
A set of sample frequencies were not able to be obtained due to a computer virus located on the frequencies. Therefore the infected files had to be deleted to maintain a stable system and not to infect other files.
PROBLEM SOLUTIONS:
Instead of using frequencies, I used a samples from an electric guitar. Each of the 6 strings was recorded into a .wav (wave format file). Which was then played over the speaker directly to the mouse.
Designing the experiment
(1.2 <T6> To investigate a mouses response to different frequencies of sound.)
1.0 Factors
1.1 In my investigation, I will be measuring the distance by which the mouse is repelled from the frequency source.
2.0 Aim
2.1 To investigate a mouses response to different frequencies of sound by measuring the distance the mouse is repelled from the source.
3.0 Experimental Design
3.1 Sketch of the apparatus > (on paper)
3.2 Materials:
1 Mouse
1 Ruler
Samples of different frequencies
1 speaker
1 wooden track that is 30cm's long
3.3 Method
Step 1: Put the mouse in the track so that he starts exactly in front of the speaker and exactly on zero on the ruler.
Step 2: When the mouse is in position, play one frequency sample.
Step 3: Record the distance travelled by the mouse from the speaker when the sound sample has finished.
Step 4: Repeat the first three steps, but use a different sample of sound each time.
Step 5: Record the results in order by which frequency made the mouse travel the furthest.
4.0 Evaluation
4.1 Record the results in order by which frequency made the mouse travel the furthest.
4.2 Check design with Supervisor (Mr. S)
Development Pictures
^ Computers
The two computers shown above are networked together. The lap-top has a better quality soundcard opposed to the other computer. (128 bit sound opposed to 16 bit sound) The files were stored on the computer behind, but played through the network onto the lap-top with 128 bit sound. On the side of the lap-top there is an sound output port, for which the speaker was connected into.
^ Sound Card port and speaker plug
Shown here is the lap-tops' output port (circled in red), and the speakers input device (plug- circled in blue). When the plug is inserted into the output port, the lap-top is then capable of sending sound out to the external speaker.
^ Programs
The program used was sound recorder, as shown in the picture of my desktop in the above screen. Also, where the program is located has been shown through use of the start menu. (start, programs, accessories, entertainment, sound recoreder.exe)
To do this experiment, a PC based operating system (windows 98™) was used
^ side view picture
^ Top View picture
When the mouse is placed in the track, it is to be placed on the rulings at zero, which is in the middle of the track. This is so that the distance that the mouse is repelled can be measured up to 15 cm's, and the distance the mouse is attracted to the source can be measured up to 15 cm's.
Unlabelled Pictures (below)
^ Side View
^ Top View
All the pictures taken for this assignment were taken with a digital camera. This explaining the quality, also the pictures were saved with a lower quality level to ensure faster down-loading time over slow connections
(i.e 14.4 or 28.8 kilobyte per second (KBPS) connections)