A tuning fork produces 4 beats per second with a 256 Hz fork. The first fork is then loaded with a little wax and the beat frequency increases to 6 per second. Find its original frequency.
Physics · Wave Motion
JEE Mains Advanced

Question

A tuning fork produces 4 beats per second with a 256 Hz fork. The first fork is then loaded with a little wax and the beat frequency increases to 6 per second. Find its original frequency.

G1 Physics · Accepted Answer

Step 1: Initially |f−256|=4, so f=252 or 260 Hz. Adding wax lowers the unknown fork frequency. Step 2: Beat frequency increases to 6 Hz after lowering, which is possible only if the original fork was 252 Hz. Final answer: 252 Hz.