Answer:
L = 29.47 cm
Explanation:
wavelength = twice the string length = (wave velocity on string)/(frequency)
Thus;
2(L_o) = v/(f_o)
v = 2(L_o)(f_o) - - - eq1
wave velocity on string = √[(tension)/(mass per unit length)]
If we assume that the 2 violins have matching string gauges and they're tuned exactly the same, and the necks of the violins are the same length, the tensions needed to get the same frequency on open G strings would be the same. Hence, we can deduce that the wave velocities on the 2 strings would also be the same.
The note on one violin has to differ from the note on the other violin by the beat frequency. A shorter string produces a higher pitch (higher frequency). Thus,
v = 2L(f_o + f_b) - - - - eq2
Equating equation 1 and 2 to obtain;
2(L_o)(f_o) = 2L(f_o + f_b)
(Lo)(fo) = L(fo + fb)
(30 cm)(196 Hz) = (L)(196Hz + 3.5Hz)
5880 = 199.5L
L = 5880/199.5
L = 29.47 cm