What is the beat frequency produced by two pipes?

To determine the beat frequency produced by two pipes, it’s important to understand the principle of beat frequencies, which arises from the interference of two sound waves with slightly different frequencies. The beat frequency is calculated by finding the absolute difference between these two frequencies.

In this scenario, if the result is three beats per second, it suggests that the two pipes are producing sound waves at frequencies that differ by three hertz. This creates a pattern of loudness and softness in the sound that alternates at a rate of three times per second, which is perceptible to the human ear as "beats."

The correct answer indicates that the frequency difference between the two pipes results in three distinct loud and soft sounds occurring every second. This aligns with the principle governing beats, confirming that the presence of two sound waves at slightly different frequencies will generate fluctuations in amplitude that we perceive as beats, determined by their difference.