How Does Motion Affect Sound Frequency and Wavelength Calculation?

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on calculating sound frequency and wavelength in different scenarios. For the first scenario involving ultrasound, the wavelength can be determined using the formula v = f*λ, where the speed of sound in the body is 1.97 km/s and the frequency is 4.079 MHz. In the second scenario, the Doppler effect is applied to find the frequency heard from a moving fire engine with a siren frequency of 587 Hz, factoring in the speeds of the fire engine and the observer. Participants express confusion over the calculations and the correct application of formulas, particularly in distinguishing between distance and velocity. Accurate calculations are essential for understanding how motion affects sound frequency and wavelength.
Ronaldo21
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Fundamental frequency!

1. Ultrasound with a frequency of 4.079 MHz can be used to produce images of the human
body.If the speed of sound in the body is the same (1.97 km/s) as in salt water, what is the
wavelength in the body?
Answer in units of m.

and

2. On a day when the wind is blowing 49.5 km/h from east to west, a fire engine
moves toward you from the west at 112 km/h and you are heading toward the fire engine at
94.6 km/h. If the fire engine has a 587 Hz siren and the speed of sound is 340 m/s, what frequency do you hear?
Answer in units of Hz.
i converted them to m/s. (340-12-30.2777)*1170/(340-12-30.27777) but i think i did it wrong. idk. grr
and i DO NOT know how to do number 1
please help!
 
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The relationship between frequency and wavelength for any wave is
v = f*λ
That should take care of the first question.

What is your formula for the Dopplar effect in #2? The pattern of those numbers doesn't look quite right.
 


for number 1, we're trying to find distance arent we? not velocity.
and for 2, well i converted km/h to m/s.
 


for number 1, we're trying to find distance arent we? not velocity.
Yes, so solve the formula for λ.
 
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