How Fast is the Trumpet Player Moving to Create a Beat Frequency of 4 Hz?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating the speed of a trumpet player moving away from a listener, resulting in a beat frequency of 4 Hz while both players produce a pitch of 440 Hz. Using the equation for apparent frequency, the correct setup leads to a solution of 3.12 m/s for the speed of the departing player. The participant initially miscalculated by incorrectly structuring the equation, highlighting the importance of understanding the relationship between frequency and velocity in sound propagation. The final conclusion emphasizes that the apparent frequency decreases when the source moves away from the observer.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of wave frequency and beat frequency concepts
  • Familiarity with the Doppler effect and its equations
  • Basic knowledge of sound speed in air (340 m/s)
  • Ability to manipulate algebraic equations for problem-solving
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the Doppler effect in detail, focusing on its mathematical formulations
  • Explore the concept of beat frequency and its applications in acoustics
  • Learn about sound wave propagation and factors affecting speed in different mediums
  • Practice solving similar problems involving moving sound sources and observers
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Physics students, acoustics enthusiasts, and educators seeking to deepen their understanding of sound dynamics and frequency relationships in moving sources.

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Homework Statement



Two trumpet players are both playing with a pitch of 440 Hz, corresponding to the musical pitch A above middle C. However, one of the trumpet players is marching away from you so that your hear a beat frequency of 4 Hz from the two trumpets. With what speed is the departing trumpet player moving away from you? (The speed of sound in air is 340 m/s)

Homework Equations



f' = f(V+-Vo/V-+Vs)

f2 - f1 = beat frequency

The Attempt at a Solution



How I approached the question was the following:

f' = f(V/V+Vs)
f(V/V+Vs) - f1 = beat

so
440(340/340+Vs) - 440 = 4
which solves to Vs = 3.06 m/s

However, looking at the answer (3.12 m/s) It seems I should have set the equation up as:

440 - 440(340/340+Vs) = 4
which goes to 3.119 m/s

So conceptually speaking, how am I supposed to know how to set up the equation? Is it just what yields a positive answer? or is there something I'm not thinking of. I couldn't find anything specific online. Thanks for the help.
 
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How I thought of it is, the player is moving away, so the apparent frequency of the sound from his trumpet should be less than 440.
We know that the difference, or lowering of the frequency, is 4Hz, so f' is 436.
To have a frequency lower than the original, the denominator term of the velocity ratio should be greater. So we add the speed of air and the speed at which he is moving away.
 

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