Question

In which case will a beat frequency most likely occur? (1 point)
• two of the same instrument playing notes at the same frequency two different instruments playing notes at the same frequency
• two of the same instrument playing notes at slightly different frequencies
two different instruments playing notes at very different frequencies

Answer 1

Beats will most likely occur when two of the same instrument are playing notes at slightly different frequencies.

Explanation: Beats arise from interference of two sound waves with nearly the same frequency; the beat frequency equals the difference between the two frequencies. If the frequencies are identical or very different, you won't get noticeable beats.