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The sound of a police siren that is moving away has (1) _____ wavelengths, and one that is approaching has (2) ______ wavelengths.

1) a. longer b. higher c. shorter

2) a. lower b. Longer c. shorter

2 Answers

5 votes
FIRST one (shorter)

SECOND one (longer)
User WesR
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7 votes

Answer;

A. Longer

C. Shorter

The sound of a police siren that is moving away has shorter wavelengths, and one that is approaching has longer wavelengths.

Explanation;

  • The pitch of the sound heard depends on the frequency of the sound wave. A higher frequency corresponds to a high pitch. Therefore, when the police siren is approaching an observer, the observed frequency increases and thus the observer hears a higher pitch.
  • Conversely, when the police siren is moving away from an observer, then the frequency decreases and thus, the pitch of the sound heard is lower.
  • A higher frequency corresponds to a shorter wavelength, therefore, the shorter the wavelength, the higher the frequency, and the higher the pitch, of the sound.
User Simon Trewhella
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