Doppler effect with moving source and observer

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around calculating the speed of an ambulance using the Doppler effect, where the observer (a driver) hears different frequencies as the ambulance approaches and then passes. The driver hears a frequency of 1022 Hz when the ambulance approaches and 981 Hz after it passes. The key equation for the Doppler effect is provided, but the driver struggles with the lack of a clear source frequency. Participants suggest using two equations to account for the frequencies before and after the ambulance passes to solve for its speed. The conversation emphasizes the need to correctly apply the Doppler effect equations to find the ambulance's speed.
hopelessphysics
Messages
15
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


As you drive at a speed of 15.0 m/s an ambulance approaches you from behind with its siren blaring at a frequency of 1022 Hz. After the ambulance has passed you the signal is now 981 Hz. If both you and the ambulance travel at a constant speed how fast was the ambulance traveling?

Homework Equations


fo=fs(1+- vo/v)/(1+-vs/v)

The Attempt at a Solution


So I tried to use the equation above by plugging in the frequencies, but was trapped because the frequencies show only what the source was emitting, and not what the observer was hearing.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Physics news on Phys.org
fo is the observer frequency.
You don't have the source frequency, but you have a second equation you can use.
 
What is the second equation?
 
The ambulance before and after it passes you => 2 equations
 
I multiplied the values first without the error limit. Got 19.38. rounded it off to 2 significant figures since the given data has 2 significant figures. So = 19. For error I used the above formula. It comes out about 1.48. Now my question is. Should I write the answer as 19±1.5 (rounding 1.48 to 2 significant figures) OR should I write it as 19±1. So in short, should the error have same number of significant figures as the mean value or should it have the same number of decimal places as...
Thread 'A cylinder connected to a hanging mass'
Let's declare that for the cylinder, mass = M = 10 kg Radius = R = 4 m For the wall and the floor, Friction coeff = ##\mu## = 0.5 For the hanging mass, mass = m = 11 kg First, we divide the force according to their respective plane (x and y thing, correct me if I'm wrong) and according to which, cylinder or the hanging mass, they're working on. Force on the hanging mass $$mg - T = ma$$ Force(Cylinder) on y $$N_f + f_w - Mg = 0$$ Force(Cylinder) on x $$T + f_f - N_w = Ma$$ There's also...

Similar threads

Back
Top