Randall D. Knight — Superposition: Problem Exercise_35

Traditional Indonesian music uses an ensemble called a gamelan that is based on tuned percussion instruments somewhat like gongs. In Bali, the gongs are often grouped in pairs that are slightly out of tune with each other. When both are played at once, the beat frequency lends a distinctive vibrating quality to the music. Suppose a pair of gongs are tuned to produce notes at 151 Hz and 155 Hz. How many beats are heard if the gongs are struck together and both ring for 2.5 s?