Beats refers to the pattern that two similar waves make when they interfere with each other. A beat pattern is one that varies in volume (amplitude) as the waves constructively and destructively interfere with each other. The beat frequency is the wave that forms when you hear the volume go from high to low volume.

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Piano tuners use this idea when they tune a piano. They pluck either two strings at once or one string and a tuning fork, and if the two are vibrating at different frequencies, they can hear a beat. They’ll adjust the piano string so that no beat can be heard to tune the piano.

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