Doppler Effect: How Does the Ambulance Siren Vary?

Click For Summary
The discussion centers on the Doppler Effect, particularly regarding how the frequency of an ambulance siren changes as it approaches and passes a stationary observer. When the ambulance approaches at a constant speed, the observed frequency remains steady until it passes, at which point it shifts from high to low. If the ambulance accelerates towards the observer, the frequency will increase as it approaches. Participants clarify that the Doppler Effect applies to both constant and accelerating sources, emphasizing the importance of radial velocity. The conversation also touches on the use of language and the need for clear communication in scientific discussions.
  • #31
Turv said:
Gentlemen,

You don't just need to accelerate to achieve the doppler effect, it works with constant velocity too.

My formula is correct .
So are you saying, after all this nonsense, that you are really just talking about sound sources with constant velocity? No acceleration?

Rather than waste everyone's time with vague statements, if you have a question or statement about applying the Doppler effect, please state it clearly and completely.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #32
Doc,

No disrespect to you but i think i have been clear, i stated the equations in constant velocity, its blatantly obviously it will still work with acceleration, I've never been the one confused.

And to be honest i think you mentors have been harsh and trying to ridicule me, i thought these forums were all about debate? learning from each other? not trying to pick fault of the slightest pathetic alleged miss used word.

What have i got to do go yes mentor you right every time you disagree with me? if I'm wrong I'm wrong but put calculations up.

Just remember " Ridicule may be a shield, but its not a weapon".
 
  • #33
Turv said:
Doc,

No disrespect to you but i think i have been clear, i stated the equations in constant velocity, its blatantly obviously it will still work with acceleration, I've never been the one confused.
Note that it was you, in post #4, who said you were confused. (Note that the OP's example involved an ambulance moving at constant speed.)
 
  • #34
ok, seeing as this came up on the f1 thread and was then rightly deleted.

Turv, you're wrong mate. If a constant speed (anything) heads DIRECTLY towards you you won't hear a pitch change. If it comes PAST to you, you will.

Even the shoddyness that is wiki has this on it.
 
  • #35
Chris,

I have just had a warning off a mentor which is totally unjustified, the doppler equation will work with constant velocity are you saying everything needs to accelerate to get the doppler effect, this would just be nonsense, if the mentors want (yes men) then why not ban everyone and have morons posting saying yes mentor 3 bags full mentor, yes your right mentor ( When they can't even post the equation in there defence) i posted the authentic doppler equation, is he wrong? YES MENTOR!
 
  • #36
http://www.school-for-champions.com/science/sound_doppler_equations.htm

Read 'Source Moving at an Angle' section.
 
  • #37
xxChrisxx said:
Turv, you're wrong mate. If a constant speed (anything) heads DIRECTLY towards you you won't hear a pitch change. If it comes PAST to you, you will.
You are correct, of course. Part of the problem here is sloppy language. When something comes directly toward you at constant speed, you will hear an unchanging, constant pitch which will be higher than the pitch of the source (and as given by the usual Doppler equations). If it goes past you, then you'll hear a changing pitch.

Turv said:
Chris,

I have just had a warning off a mentor which is totally unjustified, the doppler equation will work with constant velocity are you saying everything needs to accelerate to get the doppler effect, this would just be nonsense, if the mentors want (yes men) then why not ban everyone and have morons posting saying yes mentor 3 bags full mentor, yes your right mentor ( When they can't even post the equation in there defence) i posted the authentic doppler equation, is he wrong? YES MENTOR!
:rolleyes: Haven't you embarrassed yourself enough?
 
  • #38
Turv said:
xxChrisxx said:
ok, seeing as this came up on the f1 thread and was then rightly deleted.

Turv, you're wrong mate. If a constant speed (anything) heads DIRECTLY towards you you won't hear a pitch change. If it comes PAST to you, you will.

Even the shoddyness that is wiki has this on it.
Chris,

I have just had a warning off a mentor which is totally unjustified, the doppler equation will work with constant velocity are you saying everything needs to accelerate to get the doppler effect, this would just be nonsense, if the mentors want (yes men) then why not ban everyone and have morons posting saying yes mentor 3 bags full mentor, yes your right mentor ( When they can't even post the equation in there defence) i posted the authentic doppler equation, is he wrong? YES MENTOR!
Hold on! Don't get too excited!

When we talk of change, change relative to what?

When a car heads straight towards you, its frequency will have changed relative to what it would have been if it was stationary. But if you've never heard it stationary, you won't know that, you'll just hear a constant higher pitch. (If you did hear it when it was stationary, then you'd hear the pitch increase as it accelerated.) Then the car will hit you and you won't hear anything at all, because you'll be dead.
 

Similar threads

Replies
8
Views
1K
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
2K
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
2K
  • · Replies 23 ·
Replies
23
Views
5K
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
Replies
3
Views
5K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K