Beat frequency from 1.5% tension decrease in cello string

2 replies · 5K views · last reply
maninthesuit
Messages
2
Reaction score
0
1. Two identical strings on different cellos are tuned to the 440-Hz A note. The peg holding one of the strings slips, so its tension is decreased by 1.5%. What is the beat frequency heard when the strings are played together?
f₁=440Hz; Tension decrease=1.5%2. f(beat)=|f₁-f₂|3.
f₂=440Hz - (440Hz*.015)=433.4Hz
f(beat)=|440Hz-433.4Hz|=6.6Hz

The answer is supposed to be 3.3Hz. I would really appreciate the help. Thanks.
 
I think you're missing a key formula here.
Remember that the velocity of the wave on a tensioned string is

v = √(F / µ) where µ is the string density. Use it more conceptually now, and think about the relationship of the force to the velocity, and the velocity to the pitch and wavelength.
 
Thank you very much. I got the right answer now. Much appreciated. :)