Question

What are the beats? Define beat frequency. Explain how the frequency of tuning forks is determined using the beats?

Answer 1

Hint: The above problem can be solved by using the concept and fundamentals involved in the analysis of sound beat. The sound beats are known to form when the source of sound is arranged in such a way that continuous variation occurs in the intensity of sound.

Complete step by step answer:
When some sound waves are produced by any source, such that it is continuous and frequent at falling as well as the rising of intensity, then in this case if superposition of sound waves takes place, then the superimposed wave is known as the beat. The superimposed wave can be of similar or of different frequency or can be observed to travel in a similar direction.
On the other hand, considering the superimposed sound wave, if we undertake the analysis of finding the number of beats per second, then such numerical value is known as Beat frequency.
The concept of beats is utilised to determine the frequency of the tuning fork. And this can happen by considering a tuning fork A of known frequency and another tuning fork B of unknown frequency. Then, the unknown net frequency of the tuning fork B is determined by taking the addition of the known frequency and the number of beats obtained.

Note:
To resolve the given problem, one must remember the basic meaning and the fundamentals involved in sound beat. The sound beats have several known applications, out of which, the tuning fork is one of the most critical applications that is required to analyze.