A tuning fork of frequency 512 Hz makes 4 beats per second with the vibrating string of a piano. The beat frequency decreases to 2 beats per sec when the tension in the piano string is slightly increased. The frequency of the piano string before increasing the tension was
- 510 Hz
- 514 Hz
- 516 Hz
- 508 Hz
Answer
(4) 508 Hz
Solution
Possible frequencies of the string: 512 4 = 516 Hz or 508 Hz
Increasing tension increases the string's frequency ( f T).
If f = 516 Hz, it would rise and beats would increase above 4.
If f = 508 Hz, it rises towards 512 Hz and beats decrease (to 2), as observed
Original frequency = 508 Hz
Answer: (4)