A tuning fork of known frequency is sounded together with another fork

PHYSICS · Multi-part · A Level · Physics · Waves · Waves

Problem

A tuning fork

F_1

of known frequency

256\,\text{Hz}

is sounded together with another fork

F_2

. A listener counts 8 beats in 3 seconds. (i) Calculate the possible values of the frequency of fork

F_2

. Clearly show the reasoning. (ii) When a small piece of wax is attached to a prong of

F_2

, its frequency decreases and the beat frequency becomes 4 per second. Determine the original frequency of

F_2

before loading. (iii) Find the frequency of

F_2

after the wax is attached.