What is the speed of the ambulance based on its siren's frequency?

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves determining the speed of an ambulance based on the frequency of its siren as perceived by an observer. The context includes varying frequencies heard while the ambulance approaches and when it is stationary, with the speed of sound provided as a reference.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants consider using the Doppler effect formula but express uncertainty about identifying the correct frequencies for the source and receiver.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants exploring the application of the Doppler effect and questioning the definitions of source and receiver frequencies. Guidance has been offered to clarify the information provided in the problem statement.

Contextual Notes

Participants are navigating the complexities of the Doppler effect and its application to the problem, indicating a need for clarification on the roles of the source and receiver in this context.

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Homework Statement


While standing on 3rd street you hear an approaching ambulance. Its siren oscillates in frequency between about 650 Hz and 750 Hz.

Later on as you near your destination, you come upon the scene of the accident. The now-stationary ambulance runs its siren as it's about to drive off. This time, you hear its pitch oscillate between 637.65 Hz and 735.75 Hz.

Using your physics knowledge, you estimate the speed that the ambulance must have been traveling while en route to the scene of the accident. How fast was it traveling? (Assume it's an average day where the speed of sound is about 343 m/s.)

A. 25 m/s (about 55 mph)

B. 18 m/s (about 40 mph)

C. 13 m/s (about 30 mph)

D. 9 m/s (about 20 mph)


Homework Equations



v=f*λ

The Attempt at a Solution

 
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welcome to pf!

hi nczzzzzz! welcome to pf! :wink:

tell us what you think, and why, and then we'll comment! :smile:

(same for your other thread)
 
I was thinking of using the doppler effect formula, but i can't figure out the frequency of the source and the receiver.
 
nczzzzzz said:
I was thinking of using the doppler effect formula, but i can't figure out the frequency of the source and the receiver.

the frequency of the source is stated in the question

(and how can a receiver have a frequency? :confused:)
 

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