Train whistle frequency difference in approaching and receding

[euphtone06]

Homework Statement

Whistle frequency is 595 Hz for the train and sounds higher or lower depending on whether it approaches it or recedes. Calculate the difference in frequency between approaching and receding train whistle for a train moving at a speed of 105 km/h. Speed of sound is 340 m/s

Homework Equations

change in f = (2frequency(u/v))/(1-u^2/v^2)

The Attempt at a Solution

105 km/h = 29.16 m/s
u/v = 29.16/340 = .08578

change if f = (2frequency(.08578))/(1-.08578^2)
Ok this may sound really stupid but I saw an example of this problem worked and it used frequency as 105 km/h the speed of the train so inputted looked like this
change if f = (2(105)(.08578))/(1-.08578^2)
This makes no sense to me but I just want to make sure it SHOULDNT be this (105) for frequency since its not actually in Hz. I assume frequency would be the whistle frequency 595 Hz correct?

 

[denverdoc]

No problem, the shift in frequency, call if f*=f/(340+/-v) f in this case is the stationary frequency of 595 and v is the speed of the train/whatever. You'll notice that by using the eqn above, units don't change.

 

[euphtone06]

Sorry I am still confused at what which frequency should be inputed in my equation 595/(340 + 29) 595(340 - 29) just 595? or the average of those?

 

[HallsofIvy]

Homework Statement

Whistle frequency is 595 Hz for the train and sounds higher or lower depending on whether it approaches it or recedes. Calculate the difference in frequency between approaching and receding train whistle for a train moving at a speed of 105 km/h. Speed of sound is 340 m/s

Homework Equations

change in f = (2frequency(u/v))/(1-u^2/v^2)

The Attempt at a Solution

105 km/h = 29.16 m/s
u/v = 29.16/340 = .08578

change if f = (2frequency(.08578))/(1-.08578^2)
Ok this may sound really stupid but I saw an example of this problem worked and it used frequency as 105 km/h the speed of the train so inputted looked like this
change if f = (2(105)(.08578))/(1-.08578^2)

I'm glad to hear it makes no sense to you! I suspect you have misread. Obviously, 105 km/h is the speed of the train, NOT a frequency at all.

This makes no sense to me but I just want to make sure it SHOULDNT be this (105) for frequency since its not actually in Hz. I assume frequency would be the whistle frequency 595 Hz correct?

Yes, the frequncy is 595 Hz, u is the speed of the train and v is the speed of sound (relative to the air). You use + or - depending on whether the train is coming toward you or going away from you.