Question

When two waves of almost equal frequency \( n_1 \) and \( n_2 \) are produced simultaneously, then the time interval between successive maxima is

• A. \( \frac{1}{n_1 + n_2} \)
• B. \( \frac{1}{n_1} - \frac{1}{n_2} \)
• C. \( \frac{1}{n_1 n_2} \)
• D. \( \frac{1}{n_1 - n_2} \)

Hint:

The phenomenon of beats occurs when two waves of slightly different frequencies interfere. The time between maxima is the inverse of the difference of the frequencies.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Beat frequency.
When two waves of nearly equal frequency interfere, they produce beats. The time between successive maxima (beats) is given by \( \frac{1}{|n_1 - n_2|} \).

Step 2: Conclusion.
The time interval between successive maxima is \( \frac{1}{n_1 - n_2} \), which corresponds to option (4).