What Is the Frequency of the Second Tuning Fork?

AI Thread Summary
The problem involves two tuning forks, with the first fork at 273Hz and a beat frequency of 3.00Hz. The beat frequency indicates that the second fork could be either 270Hz or 276Hz, but the exact frequency cannot be determined with the given information. The discussion highlights a disagreement on whether the answer should be 270Hz, as it was a provided option, or if "not enough information given" is the correct choice. Ultimately, the conclusion is that without additional data, the exact frequency of the second fork remains uncertain. The conversation emphasizes the importance of critical reasoning in selecting answers on exams.
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Homework Statement



Two tuning forks, first fork has freqency of f = 273Hz. The beat frequency is 3.00Hz. What is the frequency of the second fork?

Homework Equations



f_{beat} = |f_1 - f_2|


The Attempt at a Solution



This was a question on my Physics I exam today, and my prof is known for having 'tricky' conceptual questions on his exams.

This concept is pretty simple, if you have two different frequencies, the Beat frequency is the difference between the two. So for this problem, the second fork could either be 276Hz or 270Hz.

Although that is true, (i don't think) enough information was given to actually be able to know the answer.

A few of the choices from the question were:

A) 270Hz
B-E) a bunch of other frequencies, and none were 276Hz
F) "Not enough information given"

I picked F). Although, my classmates picked 270Hz for the reason that "It was a choice, and 276Hz wasn't".
I don't believe that's a valid way to go about finding the solution, so I think they're wrong.

However, It will be (about a week) before I could get the results/answers for this exam so I'm asking here to see what everyone else thinks?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
F: not enough information given. The other frequency may be or may not be 270 Hz, and you cannot decide.

ehild
 
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