Two tuning forks sounding together result in a beat frequency of 3 Hz.If the frequency of one of the forks is 256 Hz,what is the frequency of the other?
A)262 Hz or 250 Hz
B)105 Hz
C)259 Hz or 253 Hz
D)85 Hz

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

We know that the beat frequency (B) is given by the difference between the frequencies of the two tuning forks (f1 and f2), i.e., B = |f1 - f2|.
Given B = 3 Hz and f1 = 256 Hz, we can solve for f2.
If we assume that f2 > f1, then we get: f2 = f1 + B = 256 Hz + 3 Hz = 259 Hz.
If we assume that f2 < f1, then we get: f2 = f1 - B = 256 Hz - 3 Hz = 253 Hz.
Thus, the possible frequencies of the other tuning fork are 259 Hz or 253 Hz, which correspond to choice C.

Two Tuning Forks Sounding Together Result in a Beat Frequency