Answer to Question #103443 in Physics for Rico y

Question

We’re tuning a guitar using harmonics, and we produce, on our properly tuned E-string, a frequency of 329.6 Hz when we pluck the first harmonic. The second harmonic, on the A-string, is noticeably higher, producing a beat frequency of 1.5 Hz. What is the frequency produced by the harmonic on the A- string?

Answer 1

We pluck the E-string, it gives the frequency of 329.6 Hz. Then we pluck the A-string, it is higher and gives the beat frequency of 1.5 Hz. Therefore, the frequency of A-string is

$$f_A=f_{beat}+f_E=1.5+329.6=331.1\text{ Hz}.$$