SUMMARY
The discussion centers on calculating the frequency of sound heard by a helicopter from a parachutist's shout during free fall. The original frequency of the shout is 425Hz, and the speed of sound is 343m/s. After 4 seconds of free fall, the parachutist reaches a velocity of 39.2 m/s downward. The correct formula to use is f' = f / (1 + Vs/V), leading to a calculated frequency of approximately 381.4Hz at the helicopter, contrasting with an incorrect calculation of 479Hz due to sign errors in velocity.
PREREQUISITES
- Understanding of the Doppler effect in sound waves
- Basic kinematics, specifically free fall equations
- Familiarity with sound speed in air (343 m/s)
- Ability to manipulate algebraic equations for frequency calculations
NEXT STEPS
- Study the Doppler effect and its applications in different scenarios
- Learn about free fall motion and its equations in physics
- Explore sound wave properties and how they interact with moving sources
- Practice solving problems involving frequency shifts due to relative motion
USEFUL FOR
Physics students, educators, and anyone interested in understanding sound frequency changes due to motion, particularly in contexts involving free fall and the Doppler effect.
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