What is the true frequency of the uncalibrated generator?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around determining the true frequency of an uncalibrated generator that produces a beat frequency when mixed with a calibrated generator set at 900 Hz. Participants explore the concept of beat frequency, the implications of calibration, and the potential multiple frequencies of the uncalibrated generator.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant describes the situation of mixing a calibrated sine wave generator with an uncalibrated one and asks for the true frequency of the uncalibrated generator.
  • Another participant provides a hint about the definition of beat frequency and questions the differences between calibrated and uncalibrated generators.
  • A participant explains that beat frequency occurs when two waves are present, noting that amplitude similarity is not strictly necessary.
  • One participant claims the true frequency of the uncalibrated generator could be 904 Hz and also suggests it could be 866 Hz, indicating multiple possibilities.
  • Another participant challenges the definitions provided, asking for clarification on the conditions for beat frequency and the meaning of having a wave as a standard.
  • A later reply suggests that the initial answers may not be entirely correct and requests further explanation or working out of the problem.
  • Some participants express that they have received answers from other forums, raising questions about the learning process involved.
  • One participant encourages another to demonstrate how to solve the problem to assist others who may be struggling.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the correctness of the proposed frequencies for the uncalibrated generator, with some asserting there are two solutions while others question the validity of the answers given. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the definitive true frequency of the uncalibrated generator.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved assumptions regarding the definitions of beat frequency and the conditions under which it occurs. Additionally, the discussion does not clarify the mathematical steps needed to arrive at the proposed frequencies.

pHysicsN0OB
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Imagine that you have a calibrated sine wave generator set at 900 Hz and you mix its signal with that of an uncalibrated generator also set at 900 Hz. You hear a beat frequency of 4 Hz.


What is the true frequency of the uncalibrated generator?
Is there more than one possibility?


I'm not sure where to begin
 
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Welcome to PF;
Hint: definition of "beat frequency": how do beats happen?
What is special about a calibrated wave generator compared with an uncalibrated one?
 
Beats frequency happens when two different waves are at a point with the same amplitude.
A calibrated wave generator has a wave as a standard and an uncalibrated wave generated is not similar to the calibrated wave.
 
Are these answers correct?

What is the true frequency of the uncalibrated generator?
The true frequency of the uncalibrated generator is 904 Hz.

Is there more than one possibility?
Yes. The uncalibrated generator could be 866 Hz,
 
pHysicsN0OB said:
Beats frequency happens when two different waves are at a point with the same amplitude.
That is true, although the amplitude does not have to be the same, and there is another condition needed. But it is not the definition of the beat frequency.
i.e. how would you go about calculating the beat frequency - how is the beat frequency related to the frequencies of the two waves?

A calibrated wave generator has a wave as a standard and an uncalibrated wave generated is not similar to the calibrated wave.
What does it mean to have a wave as a standard?
Note: you have answered the question "what is the difference between..." by saying "they are not similar"... that is called "begging the question".
In what way is the uncalibrated generator not similar to the calibrated one?
Specifically in terms of the frequency it emits compared with the frequency it is set to.

Are these answers correct?
... please show your working.
It looks like the first one is correct and the second is not.
 
Thanks. The answer was already given to me in a different forum.
 
pHysicsN0OB said:
Thanks. The answer was already given to me in a different forum.

And being given the answer to your homework question helps you learn how to figure out future questions similar to this one? And helps you to learn how to figure out harder questions?
 
Yes, there are two solutions.
 
@pHysicsN0OB: Perhaps you can show people here how it is done so your can help people who are stuck the same as you?
 

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