Doppler effect, source and receiver in different media

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating the frequency of a sound wave emitted by a submarine and received by a helicopter, considering the Doppler effect across different media. It is established that while the frequency of the wave remains constant when transitioning between media, the speed of sound does change, necessitating adjustments in the Doppler effect formulas. The participants emphasize the importance of understanding the relationship between wave speed in water and air to accurately compute the received frequency. The original poster seeks clarification on how to incorporate these variables into the Doppler shift calculations.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of the Doppler effect and its formulas
  • Knowledge of sound wave propagation in different media (water and air)
  • Familiarity with basic physics concepts such as frequency and wave speed
  • Ability to perform calculations involving speed, frequency, and wavelength
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of the Doppler effect formulas for sound waves in different media
  • Research the speed of sound in water versus air and its implications for wave behavior
  • Learn how to apply the Doppler effect equations in multi-media scenarios
  • Explore practical examples of the Doppler effect in underwater acoustics and aerial sound reception
USEFUL FOR

Physicists, acoustic engineers, students studying wave mechanics, and anyone interested in the practical applications of the Doppler effect in varying media.

nikolafmf
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Hello,

For convenience, we can say that a submarine at some depth in sea emits sound wave which refracts from the surface of the sea and is caught by a helicopter at some height above the sea. If we know the speeds of the submarine and the helicopter and the frequency of the emitted wave (and, of course, the speed of the sound in water and air), how are we going to calculate the frequency of the received wave? I know how to use the Doppler shift's formulas when the wave travels all the time in a same media. But, when it changes media, it also changes its speed. How can we account for that?


Nikola
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Frequency is not afected by passing between media.
 
A.T. said:
Frequency is not afected by passing between media.

Yes, I know that. But in the formula for Doppler effect, wave speed occurs, as in the first formula here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Doppler_effect#General. And speed do changes by passing between media. So, how can I calculate received frequency?
 

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