Understanding Beat Frequency: Equations and Solutions

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around understanding beat frequency in the context of wave phenomena, specifically analyzing a graph that depicts wavelengths and their corresponding frequencies.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the interpretation of a graph showing wavelengths and attempt to calculate frequency based on the number of wavelengths over a time interval. There are questions about the relationship between the calculated frequency and the original frequencies of the sources, as well as the beat frequency.

Discussion Status

The conversation includes various calculations and interpretations of the graph, with some participants suggesting a need to revisit calculations for accuracy. There is an acknowledgment of potential confusion in the problem statement regarding the beat frequency, but no consensus has been reached on the correct interpretation.

Contextual Notes

Participants note discrepancies in the number of wavelengths counted and the time interval used for calculations, which may affect the derived frequency values. There is also mention of differing answer choices that may not align with the calculations presented.

thereddevils
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Homework Statement



See attachment.

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



f1 - f2 = 5

What's there for me to interpret in the graph?
 

Attachments

  • Beat frequency.jpg
    Beat frequency.jpg
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From the graph you can see 8 complete wavelengths. This occurs in an interval of 0.15s

therefore f=number of events(or wavelengths) / \Deltat .


R.
 
Rick88 said:
From the graph you can see 8 complete wavelengths. This occurs in an interval of 0.15s

therefore f=number of events(or wavelengths) / \Deltat .


R.

I counted 7.5 and taking a closer look the interval is 0.16.

f=8/(0.16)=50

What is this frequency? Is it the frequency of one of the sources? Or is it the resultant frequency?

By the way, the answer given is A
 
The f you calculated is the average of f1 and f2.
thereddevils said:

The Attempt at a Solution



f1 - f2 = 5
The answer choices suggest a different value for f1 - f2.
 
Redbelly98 said:
The f you calculated is the average of f1 and f2.

The answer choices suggest a different value for f1 - f2.

so the answer should be C?
 
thereddevils said:
so the answer should be C?
Based on your calculation of 50 Hz, yes. However, I recommend doing the following calculation over (can you spot the error?):
thereddevils said:
I counted 7.5 and taking a closer look the interval is 0.16.

f=8/(0.16)=50

By the way, the answer given is A
I think the author of the question is confused. They also stated the wrong beat frequency in the problem statement.
 
Redbelly98 said:
Based on your calculation of 50 Hz, yes. However, I recommend doing the following calculation over (can you spot the error?):



I think the author of the question is confused. They also stated the wrong beat frequency in the problem statement.

ok thanks all for helping.
 

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