Why You Can't Hear Doppler Effect in Car/Train Scenario

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the conditions that prevent the perception of the Doppler effect when a car is traveling near a speeding train. The primary reason identified is that if both the car and the train are moving at the same velocity, the Doppler effect will not be heard. The notion of a supersonic train traveling faster than Mach 1 is dismissed as unrealistic, highlighting the impracticality of such a scenario in terms of engineering challenges.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of the Doppler effect in sound waves
  • Basic knowledge of relative velocity concepts
  • Familiarity with sound propagation in different mediums
  • Awareness of supersonic travel and its implications
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the principles of the Doppler effect in various contexts
  • Explore relative velocity calculations in moving reference frames
  • Investigate the engineering challenges of supersonic trains
  • Learn about sound wave behavior in different environments
USEFUL FOR

Physics students, sound engineers, and anyone interested in the principles of wave mechanics and relative motion.

crosbykins
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Homework Statement



-You are traveling in a car near a speeding train. The train whistle blows but you fail to hear the doppler effect. What conditions might prevent you from hearing it?



Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


-Ok, all I can come up with is that maybe the car and train are traveling at the same velocity, so there would be no doppler effect or maybe the train is traveling at a speed greater than mach 1. Are these correct reasons?? Please help, thanks in advance.
 
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Your first guess is correct. Your second guess is wrong but freaking awsome- a supersonic train. I'd like to see the wheel and rail design of such a thing. Would a steel wheel rolling along at 1000 miles per hour even be able to hold together?
 

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