How do the Doppler Effect and beat frequencies explain sound wave phenomena?

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The discussion revolves around the Doppler Effect and beat frequencies in the context of sound waves. An observer initially hears a beat frequency of 4 Hz between two sound sources oscillating at 338 Hz and 342 Hz. When the observer moves towards one source, the beat frequency disappears, indicating that the frequencies become equal. Calculations suggest that the observer's speed should be 2 m/s towards source A for the beat to be undetectable, correcting an earlier assumption of 4 m/s. The conversation highlights the importance of accurately applying the Doppler equation and understanding the conditions under which beat frequencies occur.
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Homework Statement


In the figure, a motionless observer stands between sound sources A and B, which oscillate at 338 Hz and 342 Hz, respectively. The observer hears a beat. Next, when the observer begins moving at a constant speed on the straight line connecting A and B, the beat is no longer heard. Here, the speed of sound in air is 340 m/s


Homework Equations


fb=|fB-fA|...(1)

Doppler equation
f'= f(\frac{v\pm v0}{v\mp vs})

v0 = observer's speed


The Attempt at a Solution


1st, I assume that observer walking towards A in order not to hear beat frequency.

Thus, f^{'}_{A}=fA(\frac{v+v0}{v}) (2)
f^{'}_{B}=fB(\frac{v-v0}{v}) (3)

from (1); fb = |338-342|=4 Hz
so |(2) - (3)| = 4 Hz and I got only 1 unknown to solve
∴v0 = 4 m/s
but the answer is 2 m/s toward A, Oh! Did I do wrong way or my assumption was wrong??

 
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Hello IIK*JII
When the observer doesn't hear beats its frequency should be zero or the two frequencies should be equal ,right?I am getting 2m/s as well if my calculations are not wrong. Maybe you have messed up your calculations somewhere by the looks of your method I suspect you have inverted the situation and still getting 4 beats .
Rest is all correct .Even if you had assumed that observer walked towards B you'd getting the same answer in negative.
Correct me if I am wrong.
regards
Yukoel
 
Yukoel !

Okay, I understand it because I inverted the situation..

Thanks a lot :)
 
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