Question

A commuter train passes a passenger platform at a constant speed of 39.6 m/s. The train horn is sounded at its characteristic frequency of 346 Hz. (a) What overall change in frequency is detected by a person on the platform as the train moves from approaching to receding

Answer 1

Step-by-step explanation:

We shall apply Doppler's effect to solve the problem .

Formula for apparent frequency for a source of sound approaching an observer is as follows .

f₁ = f₀ V / (V - v )

where f₁ and f₀ are apparent and real frequency of source , V and v is velocity of sound and velocity of approaching source respectively .

Putting the given values and knowing that speed of sound is 340 m /s

f₁ =346x 340 / (340 - 39.6 )

f₁ = 391.6 Hz

In case of receding train , the formula is

f₂ = f₀ V / (V + v )

Putting the values

f₂ = 346x 340 / (340 + 39.6 )

= 309.9 Hz

Change in frequency = 391.6 - 309.9

= 81.7 Hz .