When temperature increases, the frequency of a tuning fork

Options

A. increases
B. decreases
C. remains same
D. increases or decreases depending on the material

Explanation

To solve the question "When temperature increases, the frequency of a tuning fork...", we can follow these steps:

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understand the Relationship**: The frequency of a tuning fork can be expressed using the formula:
\[ f = \frac{1}{2L} \sqrt{\frac{T}{M}} \]
where \( f \) is the frequency, \( L \) is the length of the tuning fork, \( T \) is the tension, and \( M \) is the mass.

2. **Identify the Variables**: In this formula, we see that frequency \( f \) is inversely proportional to the length \( L \). This means:
\[ f \propto \frac{1}{L} \]
Therefore, if the length \( L \) increases, the frequency \( f \) will decrease.

3. **Consider the Effect of Temperature**: When the temperature increases, materials typically undergo thermal expansion. This means that the length \( L \) of the tuning fork will increase due to the increase in temperature.

4. **Apply the Relationship**: Since we have established that frequency is inversely proportional to length, if the length \( L \) increases due to thermal expansion from the increase in temperature, then:
\[ \text{If } L \text{ increases, then } f \text{ decreases.} \]

5. **Conclusion**: Therefore, when the temperature increases, the frequency of the tuning fork decreases.

### Final Answer:
The frequency of the tuning fork decreases when the temperature increases.

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