Question

Beats are produced by the superposition of two harmonic waves if:

• A. a) their amplitudes and frequencies are equal
• B. b) their amplitudes are the same but their frequencies differ slightly
• C. c) their frequencies differ slightly even if their amplitudes are not equal
• D. d) both (b) and (c)

Answer 1

The correct option is D

d) both (b) and (c)

Beats are a consequence of the alternating constructive and destructive interference of waves due to slightly different frequencies. The amplitudes of the waves play no role in producing the beats.