Question

Two timpani (tunable drums) are played at the same time. One is correctly tuned so that when it is struck, sound is produced that has a wavelength of 2.20 m. The second produces sound with a wavelength of 2.10 m. If the speed of sound is 343 m/s, what beat frequency is heard?

Answer 1

Answer:

Explanation:

Given

Wavelength of first timpani $\lambda _1=2.2\ m$

Frequency corresponding to this Wavelength

$f_1=\frac{v}{\lambda _1}$

where $v=velocity\ of\ sound (343 m/s)$

$f_1=\frac{343}{2.2}$

$f_1=155.9\ Hz$

Wavelength of Second timpani $\lambda _2=2.1\ m$

Frequency corresponding to this Wavelength

$f_2=\frac{v}{\lambda _2}$

$f_2=\frac{343}{2.1}=163.33\ Hz$

Beat frequency $=f_2-f_1$

Beat frequency $=163.33-155.9=7.43$

so approximately 7 beats per second