JAMB Physics 1984 Question 16

Question 16

Sound

Of two identical tuning forks with natural frequency 256 Hz, one is loaded so that 4 beats per second are heard when they are sounded together. What is the frequency of the loaded tuning fork?

A.260 Hz
B.252 Hz
C.248 Hz
D.264 Hz
E.258 Hz.

Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (252 Hz)

Explanation

Loading a fork (adding mass to its prongs) lowers its frequency. A beat frequency of 4 Hz then means 256 − 4 = 252 Hz.