A tuning fork A, marked 512 Hz, produces 5 beats per second, where sounded with another unmarked tuning fork B. If B is loaded with wax the number of beats is again 5 per second. What is the frequency of the tuning fork B when not loaded?
A tuning fork A, marked 512 Hz, produces 5 beats per second, where sounded with another unmarked tuning fork B. If B is loaded with wax the number of beats is again 5 per second. What is the frequency of the tuning fork B when not loaded?

Answer:

When the tuning fork B is loaded with wax, the tuning fork’s frequency falls below its original frequency. Let’s say that when the tuning fork is marked 512 Hz, the tuning fork B is marked 517 Hz because it produces 5 beats per second and the frequency is less than 512 Hz when loaded. As a result, when the tuning fork is not loaded, the frequency remains constant at 517 Hz.