Beats are produced when two sound waves
Correct answer: B. of slightly different frequencies overlap
- A. of exactly the same frequency overlap
- B. of slightly different frequencies overlap
- C. travel in opposite directions
- D. have very different amplitudes
Explanation
The two waves drift in and out of phase, so the loudness rises and falls at a rate equal to the difference between the two frequencies. A piano tuner uses this directly, tightening a string until the beats slow to nothing and the note matches the fork. Waves of exactly the same frequency give a steady sound rather than beats.
Report an error
The more specific you are, the faster it gets fixed. A source beats an opinion.
Prefer email? support@testustad.com
About Superposition and Interference
Superposition states that overlapping waves produce a resultant displacement equal to the algebraic sum of their individual displacements. Interference covers constructive and destructive interference, phase difference, path difference, coherent sources, and conditions for maxima and minima. It differs from diffraction, which involves spreading around openings or obstacles.
Practise Waves
1,281 free Waves MCQs from Physics, each with the correct answer and an explanation. Unlimited attempts, no account needed.
Discussion
Stuck on an option, or know a faster way to get there? Ask or explain it here.
No comments yet. Be the first to explain this one.
Exams that ask Physics questions like this
Physics is on 16 papers prepared for on TestUstad, and all of them draw the same bank, so this question is worth knowing for every one of them.
More Superposition and Interference questions
Constructive interference occurs when the path difference between two coherent waves is
For two sources to produce a steady, observable interference pattern they must be
The principle of superposition states that when two waves meet, the resultant displacement at any point is
Two tuning forks of 256 Hz and 260 Hz are sounded together. The beat frequency is
If two speakers emit sound at same frequency and phase, maximum loudness occurs when path difference equals:
Two coherent sources of light produce interference (destructive) when the phase difference between them is _________?