Two waves of frequencies 480 Hz and 486 Hz interfere. How many beats are heard in 12 seconds?
**Superposition of nearly equal frequencies** creates resultant y = 2A cos(Δω·t/2) sin(ω_avg·t), envelope frequency Δf/2, beat frequency Δf. Total beats heard in Δt is f_beat·Δt, explaining counting over seconds. Beat frequency: vbₑₐt = 486 - 480 = 6 Hz . Beats in 12 s: 6 × 12 = 72 . Using v = fλ and standing-wave condition fₙ = n v/(2L) or v/(4L) as applicable, calculation yields 72, illustrating frequency-length-speed interdependence and quantization by boundaries. This aligns with NCERT Class 11 treatment, emphasizing conservation, symmetry and dimensional consistency useful for CBSE, NEET and CUET.
Ref: NCERT > Physics Book > Waves > Beats Phenomenon