How Does Beat Frequency Help Tune a Violin to Concert A?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the tuning of a violin to concert A (440 Hz) and the concept of beat frequency, specifically how it relates to the frequency of the violin string when a beat frequency of 3 Hz is heard. Participants explore the implications of adjusting the string tension in relation to achieving the correct pitch.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the calculation of the violin's frequency based on the beat frequency and question the accuracy of the teacher's provided solution. There is also confusion regarding whether to tighten or loosen the string to achieve the correct tuning.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants expressing differing views on the calculations and the implications of string tension adjustments. Some guidance has been offered regarding the interpretation of the term 'slightly' in the context of tuning.

Contextual Notes

There is a noted discrepancy between the original poster's calculation and the teacher's solution, leading to questions about potential errors. Additionally, participants are grappling with the effects of string tension on frequency, which remains a point of contention.

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Homework Statement


A violinist is tuning her instrument to concert A (440 Hz). she plays the note while listening to an electronically generated tone of exactly that frequency and hears a beat frequency 3Hz, which increases to 4Hz when she tightens her violin string slightly. (a) what was the frequency of her violin when she heard the 3Hz beat? (b) to get her violin perfectly tuned to concert A, should she tighten or loosen her string from what it was when she heard the 3Hz beat?


Homework Equations


f beat= f1-f2




The Attempt at a Solution



F2= fbeat+f1 F2= 3Hz + 440Hz F2= 443Hz

The teacher has posted the solution to be 433Hz. Did he just make a typo, or am I doing something wrong?
 
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Typo. Obvious typo.
 
part b is confusing me. I would think that you would loosen the tension which would slow down the velocity which would reduce the frequency?
 
I would agree with you. Why would you doubt it? I think the key word here is 'slightly'.
 

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