How Far Did the Stuntwoman Fall Based on Doppler Shift Analysis?

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves a stuntwoman's fall and the analysis of sound frequency shifts due to her motion, specifically using the Doppler effect. The context includes calculating the distance fallen based on the observed frequency of her scream as she descends.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to determine the distance fallen after calculating the speed of the stuntwoman. They express uncertainty about how to proceed from finding the speed to calculating the distance, considering the use of wavelength and echo equations.

Discussion Status

Some participants suggest using kinematic equations to relate the fall distance to the acceleration due to gravity. There is an acknowledgment of the initial conditions and the need to calculate time to reach the final velocity, indicating a productive direction in the discussion.

Contextual Notes

The original poster notes that the assignment is not due for three weeks, indicating a lack of immediate pressure but a desire to understand the problem thoroughly. They also mention having spent considerable time on the problem already.

jwbehm
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Homework Statement



A stuntwoman is preparing to take a punch, crash through a "candy glass" window, and fall a long distance. The script calls for her to emit a piercing scream just before she hits the "ground." In reality, she will land on a waiting airbag. Lights! Camera! Action! The primary camera crew, filming from her starting height, hears her last-instant scream at a frequency 3.77 kHz. Her scream has a frequency of 4.05 kHz when she is at rest. How far did she fall? Report this as a positive distance.

Homework Equations



Fl=Fs(v-Vl/v+Vs)


The Attempt at a Solution



I have easily found the speed of the girl falling to be 25.5m/s but I don't even know where to start as far as finding her distance. I have considered finding the wavelength but I don't know where to go from there. Do I need to you an echo equation for this? I've been looking at it for a solid 2 hours convinced I could figure it out but I'm about to the point where I need a little guidance. I don't need an answer I just need an idea of where to go from here. This isn't due for another 3 weeks but its driving me insane.

THANKS!
 
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Good 'ol kinematics might help. :wink: You know g = 9.8 m/s2. Assuming her initial position and velocity were both approximately zero, how far would she have to fall to reach the target velocity, when accelerating at g?

[If you don't remember the single, direct equation for this, you can use a couple other kinematics equations. Use one equation to calculate the time it takes to reach the final velocity, then another equation to calculate the distance.]
 
I was afraid it would be something like that. . . thanks. I should be able to get it from here but if not ill be back within the next 20 minutes haha
 
Wow, that was ridiculously easy. 33.15m. Thanks for the help!
 

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