Frequency Shifts: Doppler Effect & Wavelength

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the Doppler effect, specifically focusing on how frequency and wavelength change relative to an observer when a sound source is in motion.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the relationship between the velocity of the sound source and the perceived frequency and wavelength. Questions arise about how the wavelength changes when the source is moving towards or away from the observer.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided insights into how the wavelength shortens when the source approaches the observer, while others are questioning the implications of the sound source's velocity on the sound wave's properties. There is an ongoing exploration of these concepts without a definitive conclusion reached.

Contextual Notes

There is a mention of the dependence of sound velocity on environmental factors like air density, which may influence the discussion on the Doppler effect.

BF3MW3
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Frequency changes relative to the observer due to the doppler effect. Does wavelength?
 
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BF3MW3 said:
Frequency changes relative to the observer due to the doppler effect. Does wavelength?

The velocity of the source is not the velocity of the sound wave that you hear coming from that source. The velocity of sound in air depends on the air density, etc., but not on the velocity of the source.

So now what do you think is the answer to your question?
 
the wave length becomes shorter ?
 
BF3MW3 said:
the wave length becomes shorter ?

When the sound source is moving towards you, yes. The sound velocity itself stays the same, and the wavelength shrinks and the frequency goes up:

Velocity = Wavelength * Frequency (check the units to be sure that I'm correct on this)

If the souce of the sound is moving away from you, what happens?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Doppler_effect

.
 

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