Inteference of

Sound Waves with

Different Frequencies

Padolina, Blesilda Mae M.

DYO Experiment
INTRODUCTION
Interference of sound waves has
widespread applications in the
world of music.
Wave interference is the
phenomenon that occurs when
two waves meet while traveling
along the same medium.
Beats are the periodic and
repeating fluctuations heard in the
intensity of a sound when two
sound waves of very similar
frequencies interfere with one
another.
OBJECTIVES
1. To determine the relationship
between two frequencies played
simultaneously and the observed
beat;
2. To devise a rule for predicting the
beat frequency using the data
from observations;
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REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

Mathematically, beats can be understood from a mathematical identity for sine

waves. For sounds with (angular) frequencies of f1 and f2 added together the
identity gives
sin(f1t) + sin(f2t) = 2 sin(f3t)cos(f4t)
where f3 is the average of f1 and f2 and f4 is one half of their difference.

The frequency of the beats is equal to the absolute value of the difference of
the two original frequencies.

Beat frequency = | f1 - f2 |

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METHODOLOGY
Materials:
Three mobile devices
Phyphox: Tone Generator mode
Phyphox: Audio scope
Tape measure

Set-up:
Place the two mobile devices on each side
of the third device.
They should be equidistant at 10cm.

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METHODOLOGY
Procedure:
1. Using the first mobile device, use the Tone Generator mode to play a tone at
261 Hz. At the same time, using the second mobile device, play a tone at 261 Hz.
Record your observations.
2. Modify the tone on the second mobile device to 263 Hz while still maintaining
261 Hz on the first mobile. Record your observations.
3. Repeat no. 2 but this time, use a third mobile device to observe changes in
the sound wave using the Audio Scope mode. Based upon your observations of
the wave, explain what causes the sound beats.
4. Perform an investigation to measure the frequency of the observed beat
when playing 263 and 273, 273 and 275, and, 275 and 305 tones. List the
measured value and explain how you achieved it.
5. From your observations, devise an equation for predicting the beat
frequency observed when two slightly different tones are played
simultaneously.
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RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
a. 261 Hz and 261 Hz b. 261 Hz and 263 Hz c. 263 Hz and 273 Hz

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RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
d. 273 Hz and 275 Hz e. 275 Hz and 305 Hz

60 𝑏𝑒𝑎𝑡𝑠
= 2 𝐻𝑧
30 𝑠𝑒𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑑𝑠

Beat frequency = |tone 1 frequency - tone 2 frequency|

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CONCLUSION
From the observations made, it is proven that when two sound waves
with different frequencies are played simultaneously, it produces
beats.

Beats are a fundamental element in the world of music. It is also

proven that a normal human ear can detect beats with frequencies of
7 Hz and below. In application, that is the reason why people can’t
hear beats when two keys on the piano are being played
simultaneously.

The results of the experiment and the devised equation coincide with
the already existing concept and equation for beat frequency, hence,
making this experiment a success.