5th Step: Learning about Beats

Beats are an interesting type of interference because the waves have a different frequency.  So far both types of interference we have looked at were the same frequency so the waves always start and end at the same time.  When waves are a different frequency they overlap differently in time.  It is best described in the picture below. Notice how first crests and troughs overlap then a ittle time later crests and crests.  Watch next to learn how to create beats and listen to them in Audacity.

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Last modified: Friday, 13 August 2010, 10:39 AM