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

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the Doppler Effect and beat frequencies in sound waves, specifically involving two sound sources oscillating at 338 Hz and 342 Hz. The observer initially hears a beat frequency of 4 Hz but no longer perceives it when moving towards one of the sources. The calculations using the Doppler equation reveal that the observer's speed must be 2 m/s towards source A to eliminate the beat frequency, correcting an initial miscalculation of 4 m/s.

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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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