Doppler effect, offset from line of effect

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating the frequency of sound emitted by an ambulance with a siren frequency of 5100Hz as it approaches and recedes from an observer positioned 20 meters away from the road. Using the Doppler effect formula, the observed frequency when the ambulance approaches is calculated to be 5415Hz, while the frequency when it recedes is 4819Hz. The challenge arises when considering the observer's position off the road, leading to confusion about whether to use sine or cosine angles in the calculations. The correct approach involves determining the component of the ambulance's velocity directed towards the observer.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of the Doppler effect and its mathematical representation
  • Familiarity with trigonometric functions, specifically sine and cosine
  • Basic knowledge of sound wave propagation and speed of sound (343 m/s)
  • Ability to solve problems involving relative motion and angles
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation and applications of the Doppler effect formula in various contexts
  • Learn how to apply trigonometric functions in physics problems involving angles and distances
  • Explore the concept of relative velocity in sound and its implications in different scenarios
  • Investigate the effects of wind and other environmental factors on sound frequency perception
USEFUL FOR

Students studying physics, particularly those focusing on wave phenomena, sound, and the Doppler effect, as well as educators seeking to clarify these concepts for their students.

cheff3r
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sorry lots of reading but i wanted to explain what I've done (tried to do)

Homework Statement


An ambulance has a loud siren, which emits a pure note at 5100Hz. A man 20 m from a straight road along which the ambulance is travelling, and records the frequency of the sound he hears from the siren. There is no wind. When the ambulance is approaching the man and a long way from the man what frequency is recorded? what frequency is heard after the ambulance pass the observer and recedes into the distance? the ambulance speed is 20 m/s.

Bonus marks if you find the frequency by the man at t=-1s and t=2s where t=0 is when the ambulance is closest to the man

Homework Equations


Speed of sound 343 m/s
f'= \frac{v}{v-v(s)} f

The Attempt at a Solution


So far off into each distance is just straight forward Doppler effect
f'= \frac{v}{v-v(s)} f

getting when traveling towards the man f'=5415Hz which seems correct since its traveling towards the detector yes?
and when traveling away from man f'=4819Hz which also seems to be correct since its traveling away the detectors yes?

here's when I get into a bit of trouble if he is off the road (I'm taking it as he is on a side road perpendicular to the main road) I have found two sources saying take the cos angle and one saying take sin angle (so I going to use cos angle for now, but is this right?) and I'm not sure how to multiply it into the equation this is what I tried,

this was a guess am I doing it right of do I do it a different way (my main problem)
f'= \frac{v}{v-sin (\theta)v(s)} f

after I get the equation right would I have to do a couple triangles to find the angle created when the ambulance is 20 meters away (1 second) and 40 meters away (2 seconds)
 
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The only difference, when the ambulance is close, is that it's not coming directly at him. Just find the speed along the direction from him to the ambulance, and plug that into your equation and you're good.
 
Ahh good idea, so your saying find the an equivalent velocity (or proportion) of the ambulance in the direction straight towards the observer that makes sense.
thanks
 

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