Sound wave propagation and doppler shift wrt the medium

In summary, the conversation discusses the asymmetry of doppler shift with respect to the medium and how it affects the perception of tone between two people in different wind conditions. The participants also mention the importance of considering the direction of the wind and the presence of a tone source in this scenario.
  • #1
jerromyjon
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In contemplation and research regarding another thread's question about the asymmetry of doppler shift wrt the medium, I find myself trying to imagine two people talking... or perhaps better yet matching pitch. In still air with both people facing each other at ten paces of course they would agree that both are right on key.

If the wind were to blow the person downwind would hear the tone sooner or later than the person upwind and higher or lower pitch?
 
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  • #2
jerromyjon said:
If the wind were to blow the person downwind would hear the tone sooner or later than the person upwind and higher or lower pitch?

Hi there :smile:

what tone? and where is it placed relative to the 2 people ? and what is the actual direction of the wind
You never mentioned any tone source in your initial scenario

draw a pic with people and tone source positions and wind direction

Dave
 
  • #3
Hi and thanks in advance...
sound in wind.png

I am inclined to believe the sound waves would travel faster with the motion of the medium increasing the frequency heard downwind?
 

What is sound wave propagation?

Sound wave propagation refers to the movement of sound waves through a medium, such as air, water, or solids. As sound waves travel, they cause particles in the medium to vibrate, creating a series of compressions and rarefactions that are perceived as sound by our ears.

How does the speed of sound vary in different mediums?

The speed of sound varies depending on the medium it is traveling through. In general, sound travels faster in denser mediums, such as solids, than in less dense mediums, such as gases. For example, sound travels at approximately 343 meters per second in air, but can travel at up to 17,500 meters per second in steel.

What is the Doppler effect and how does it relate to sound wave propagation?

The Doppler effect is the perceived change in frequency of a sound wave when the source of the sound is moving relative to the observer. This effect is caused by the compression and rarefaction of sound waves becoming closer together or farther apart as the source moves. This concept is important in understanding the perceived change in pitch of a siren as it approaches and then passes by.

How does the medium affect the propagation of sound waves?

The medium has a significant impact on the propagation of sound waves. Different mediums have different densities, temperatures, and other properties that can affect the speed and quality of sound waves. For example, sound travels faster in warmer air than in colder air, and can even be completely absorbed in certain mediums, such as soft materials like pillows or foam.

What is the relationship between wavelength, frequency, and speed of sound in a medium?

The wavelength, frequency, and speed of sound are all related through the equation: speed = wavelength x frequency. This means that as the frequency of a sound wave increases, the wavelength decreases, and the speed of sound remains constant in that medium. This relationship is important in understanding how different frequencies of sound waves behave in different mediums.

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