One or more options correct
A source emitting a pure tone of frequency moves with speed along a straight line towards a large flat wall that is perpendicular to its path. A stationary observer stands on the same line behind the source, so the source moves away from the observer. Speed of sound in air is and there is no wind. Which of the following statements is/are correct?
- A. The frequency of the sound reaching the observer directly from the source is .
- B. The frequency of the sound reaching the observer after reflection from the wall is .
- C. The observer hears beats at a frequency of .
- D. The wavelength of the sound waves travelling in air from the source towards the wall is about .
Show answer and solution
Answer: A, B, D
Direct sound: the source recedes from the observer, so . Option A is correct. Sound travelling towards the wall is emitted by an approaching source: wavelength , so the frequency received by the wall is . D is correct. A stationary wall re-emits this same frequency and the observer is stationary, so the reflected sound is heard at (B correct). Beat frequency , not , so C is wrong. The key idea is that the wall, being stationary, re-radiates exactly the frequency it receives, so the only Doppler shifts are those caused by the moving source in each of the two paths.
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