Doppler Effect involving two moving objects

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating the frequency of a siren heard by an observer in a truck as a police car approaches. The truck travels at 36 m/s, while the police car moves at 45 m/s, with the siren frequency set at 500 Hz. The correct formula to use is f' = (v + vo) / (v - vs)f, where v is the speed of sound (343 m/s), vo is the truck's velocity, and vs is the police car's velocity. The initial calculation of 636 Hz was incorrect due to misunderstanding the relative speeds of the two vehicles.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of the Doppler Effect
  • Familiarity with the formula for frequency shift in moving sources
  • Basic knowledge of relative velocity concepts
  • Ability to perform algebraic substitutions in physics equations
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  • Learn about relative velocity and its application in physics problems
  • Practice additional problems involving the Doppler Effect with different velocities
  • Explore the impact of medium properties on sound speed and frequency perception
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Students studying physics, particularly those focusing on wave mechanics and the Doppler Effect, as well as educators seeking to clarify concepts related to sound frequency shifts in moving systems.

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Homework Statement


A truck moving at 36 m/s is overtaken by a police car moving at 45 m/s in the same direction. If the frequency of the siren relative to the police car is 500 Hz, what is the frequency heard by an observer in the truck as the police car approaches the truck? (The speed of sound in air is 343 m/s.)

Homework Equations


f'=(v+vo)/(v-vs)f

vo = velocity of the truck
vs = velocity of the police car

The Attempt at a Solution


I thought this would be a simple substitution problem but it's obviously not if I'm getting a different a wrong answer

f' = (343+36)/(343-45)(500) = 636Hz (This is my answer which was marked wrong)

Please advise
 
Last edited:
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Think through the signs. The two vehicles do not have 36+45 m/s relative speed.
 

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