Finding the speed of an approaching object using the doppler effect and sonar

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on using the Doppler effect and sonar to calculate the speed of an approaching object. The main confusion arises from understanding the "double shift" in frequency, questioning whether to apply a single percentage change or to use two separate functions for the frequency shifts. Participants suggest breaking the problem into two steps, as hinted, to clarify the calculations. The importance of correctly applying the Doppler effect formulas is emphasized for accurate results. The conversation ultimately aims to resolve the complexities of frequency shifts in the context of the problem.
jellyman
Messages
4
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


I attatched 2 images, the problem, and my work (including the formula needed)This "double shift" is what's getting me. Is it going 2% towards the object, and 2% from it?

Or I'm I suppose to use 2 functions:F'=(f+xf) and F'=(f+yf) where x + y = 0.04?

Homework Equations


See pic.

The Attempt at a Solution


See pic.
 

Attachments

  • Screenshot from 2012-10-05 23:00:36.jpg
    Screenshot from 2012-10-05 23:00:36.jpg
    13.1 KB · Views: 450
  • IMG_20121005_232804.jpg
    IMG_20121005_232804.jpg
    14 KB · Views: 472
Physics news on Phys.org
Do as the hint suggests - in two steps.
 
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