B Are Beats and Standing Waves Related in Physics?

AI Thread Summary
The discussion explores the relationship between beats and standing waves, questioning how longitudinal and transverse waves differ in this context. It highlights that beats, which involve nodes, can be linked to the harmonics produced by different wave types, particularly in musical instruments like organ pipes. The distinction between harmonics and overtones is emphasized, clarifying that higher modes may not align with simple harmonic frequencies. Additionally, the conversation touches on how various waveforms, including light and sound, are perceived by human senses. Overall, the thread seeks to clarify complex concepts in wave theory and their implications in physics.
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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.
 
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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?
 
So I know that electrons are fundamental, there's no 'material' that makes them up, it's like talking about a colour itself rather than a car or a flower. Now protons and neutrons and quarks and whatever other stuff is there fundamentally, I want someone to kind of teach me these, I have a lot of questions that books might not give the answer in the way I understand. Thanks
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