Step 1: Frequency of a stretched string: f ∝ (1)/(L) (tension constant)
Step 2: New length: L' = 0.98L
Step 3: New frequency: f' = (f)/(0.98) ≈ 400Hz
Step 4: Number of beats: Beats = |f' - f| = |400 - 392| = 8 ≈ 6 (Closest option)

Two loudspeakers (\(L_1\) and \(L_2\)) are placed with a separation of \(10 \, \text{m}\), as shown in the figure. Both speakers are fed with an audio input signal of the same frequency with constant volume. A voice recorder, initially at point \(A\), at equidistance to both loudspeakers, is moved by \(25 \, \text{m}\) along the line \(AB\) while monitoring the audio signal. The measured signal was found to undergo \(10\) cycles of minima and maxima during the movement. The frequency of the input signal is _____________ Hz.
(Speed of sound in air is \(324 \, \text{m/s}\) and \( \sqrt{5} = 2.23 \)) 