Doppler Effect Question regarding wavelength changing

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating the frequency and wavelength of sound as perceived by a listener due to the Doppler Effect, involving a police car moving away from the listener. The listener moves towards the car, and wind affects the sound's propagation. The frequency calculated by the user is 779 Hz using the formula f' = f(v + vD) / (v - vS). The confusion arises in determining the correct speed of sound to use for calculating the wavelength, with the correct approach being to use the speed of sound plus the wind speed and the listener's speed.

PREREQUISITES
  • Doppler Effect principles
  • Understanding of sound wave frequency and wavelength
  • Basic algebra for manipulating equations
  • Knowledge of sound speed in air (343 m/s)
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Students studying physics, particularly those focusing on wave mechanics, acoustics, and the Doppler Effect. This discussion is also beneficial for educators seeking to clarify concepts related to sound frequency and wavelength calculations.

Shahzad7317
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Homework Statement



A listener L hears the siren from a moving police car ,S, which is moving away from the listener with a speed of v = 20.0 m/s. The listener is moving at 10.0 m/s towards the car. There is a wind blowing with a speed of v(wind)= 10.0 m/s from S to L. The siren is emitting sound at a frequency (f) of 800 Hz. The velocity of sound in air is 343 m/s. Calculate the frequency (f') heard by the listener and the wavelength (λ) of that wave.

Homework Equations



f' = f(v +/- vD) / (v -/+ vS)
v = fλ

The Attempt at a Solution



Finding the new frequency is easy:

f' = (800hz)(343+10+ 10)/(343+10+20)
f' = 779 Hz. But now for finding the wavelength I'm confused.
I know it's λ = v/f'

but is it:
v = 343m/s (the speed of sound in still air)
v= 343+10 m/s (the speed of sound + the speed of the wind)
v= 343+10+20 m/s (the speed of sound + the speed of the wind + the speed of the source)
or something else?

Any help would be much appreciated.
 
Last edited:
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The wavelength heard by the listener is the frequency of the sound divided by the speed the wave is passing the listener.
 
Simon Bridge said:
The wavelength heard by the listener is the frequency of the sound divided by the speed the wave is passing the listener.

My apologies, I put the wrong question (I had v = f/λ when it should be v= fλ); I fixed this up now.

But by your statement would be the last option I suggested? λ = (speed of sound + speed of wind + speed of source)/(new frequency)?
 

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