Two waves of slightly different frequencies and travelling in the same direction produce _.
Correct answer: D. Beats.
- A. Interference.
- B. Polarization.
- C. Stationary waves.
- D. Beats.
Explanation
Two waves of slightly different frequencies travelling in the same direction produce beats. Beats are the superposition of two waves of slightly different frequencies but the same amplitude. This resulting wave is a combination of constructive and destructive interference which are alternating in time between the two giving the wave a time varying amplitude. We can say that beats are produced by interference. Hence the answer 'beats' is correct.
This question appeared on the UHS MDCAT 2008 paper, which you can sit online with every answer explained.
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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.
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