Are Beats and Standing Waves Related in Physics?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the relationship between beats and standing waves in physics, specifically addressing the differences between longitudinal and transverse waves. It clarifies that beats are an extension of longitudinal waves, with a focus on nodes and harmonics. The conversation emphasizes that higher modes are not strictly harmonics but rather overtones, which can deviate from harmonic frequencies. The importance of understanding wave behavior in different contexts, such as organ pipes and analogue synthesizers, is also highlighted.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of longitudinal and transverse waves
  • Familiarity with standing waves and their properties
  • Knowledge of harmonics and overtones in wave theory
  • Basic principles of wave behavior in musical instruments
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the differences between longitudinal and transverse waves in detail
  • Study the concept of standing waves in various mediums, including organ pipes
  • Explore the role of overtones in sound production and their distinction from harmonics
  • Learn about analogue synthesizers and their wave manipulation techniques
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Students of physics, music theorists, and anyone interested in the principles of wave behavior and sound production in various contexts.

Bilbo B
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TL;DR
How does the standing waves relate to beats? There are nodes and antinodes in case of standing waves but how these nodes are related to find harmonics. The factors whether a string fixed at both ends or fixed at single end decides it's nature.
If the standing waves for beats are the longitudinal ones. what are the basis for differentiating from transverse.The beats have also nodes, there is a difference such from the transverse waves.Do they too have harmonics? the tones produced in case of beats also depends upon whether for e.g.closed and open organ pipes but I'm messed up with displacement and pressure nodes as you don't have pressure nodes in transverse waves. Beats if an elaborate extension of longitudinal waves, Can i consider them as same.
If the frequencies in transverse waves are integer multiples of lowest frequency, how they physically represent tones and harmonics.
 
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I think you would need to specify which waves you are discussing. In elementary wave theory, it's normal to consider either ideal transverse ( ideal strings) or ideal longitudinal wave models (ideal organ pipes).
Also I don't know what you mean by standing waves for beats. In a simple model, the various modes are independent. Perhaps if you told us the actual problem then it may trigger some useful thoughts.
Edit:
PS it's as well to start off on the right foot here. The higher modes in most cases are not actual harmonics ( not 2f,3f,4f etc). The natural frequencies are a function of the wavelengths and the effective length of a resonator and the family of higher frequency resonances are actually (should be) referred to as Overtones. They can be waaay off the harmonic frequencies.
 
Harmony is natures way of producing waves other than a sine, combined with a sine. It can be produced by many factors. An instrumental string in motion, is in many occasions in a super position, producing different wave lengths at the same time. I recommend you to read about analogue synthesizers for example. When it comes to standing waves, this is only an expression of trapped waves. For example waves in a corner bouncing forward and backwords that are not going anywhere.

The waves are all the same in different wavelengths and amplitude. This is why these lengths of waves are mostly perceived by your eardrum. Light and photons are also vibration, in many forms, only perceptible by your eyes.
 
Last edited:
Solomei said:
Harmony is natures way of producing waves other than a sine, combined with a sine. It can be produced by many factors. An instrumental string in motion, is in many occasions in a super position, producing different wave lengths at the same time. I recommend you to read about analogue synthesizers for example. When it comes to standing waves, this is only an expression of trapped waves. For example waves in a corner bouncing forward and backwords that are not going anywhere.

The waves are all the same in different wavelengths and amplitude. This is why these lengths of waves are mostly perceived by your eardrum. Light and photons are also vibration, in many forms, only perceptible by your eyes.
What is all that supposed to be about? Is there any actual Physics buried in there or did you just have a yearning to write a purple passage?
 

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