Question:

Identify the CORRECT statement on beats
(A) The amplitude of beats is always constant.
(B) Beats are produced when two waves have the same frequency.
(C) Beat frequency is the average of the two source frequencies.
(D) Beats can be produced by the waves having slightly different frequencies and traveling in the opposite directions.

Show Hint

Beats arise from two waves of slightly different frequencies and the beat frequency is their difference.
Updated On: Nov 12, 2026
  • (D)
  • (B)
  • (C)
  • (A)
Show Solution
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The Correct Option is A

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Understanding the Concept
Beats are the periodic rise and fall of loudness produced when two waves of slightly different frequencies superpose. The beat frequency is \(|f_1-f_2|\).

Step 2: Check each statement
(A) False: the amplitude of the resultant rises and falls periodically.
(B) False: waves of exactly the same frequency give a steady resultant, not beats.
(C) False: beat frequency is the difference, not the average.

Step 3: Statement (D)
At any fixed point, two vibrations of slightly different frequencies add to give a periodically varying amplitude, whatever the direction of travel of the waves. This statement is true.

Final Answer:
Statement (D) is the only correct statement about beats. \[ \boxed{\text{(A) }\text{Beats can be produced by the waves having slightly different frequencies and traveling in the opposite directions.}} \]
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