Doppler effect w/ percentage frequency shift?

In summary, the problem involves standing by a railroad track and hearing a train pass with its whistle blowing. The frequency shift is equal to 21% of the frequency of the whistle. The goal is to find the speed of the train in km/hr, with a given speed of sound of 331.4 m/s. The equation used to solve this problem is f' = f [1/(1 ± v of train/v of sound)], where the train is moving towards the observer at first and then away. By following the teacher's advice, the correct approach can be determined.
  • #1
grantaere
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0

Homework Statement


As you stand by a railroad track a train passes with its whistle blowing. As it passes, you hear a frequency shift equal to 21 % of the frequency of the whistle. How fast is the train moving. Express your answer in km/hr.(Speed of sound is 331.4 m/s)

Homework Equations


f’ = f [1/{1 ± (velocity of source/velocity of sound)}]
(source moving away from(+)/towards(-) observer)

The Attempt at a Solution


My initial attempt was simply to have
0.79 = [1/(1 + v of train)/331.4] but that seems to be incorrect... a clue from the teacher was that the train is first moving toward, then away from the observer, but I don't understand how that would affect the formula. Any hints? Thanks a ton in advance!
 
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  • #2
a frequency shift equal to 21 % of the frequency of the whistle
the latter is probably the frequency f0 when the train is standing still. When the train comes at you you hear f' > f0 and when it moves away you hear f'' < f0. Why don't you follow teachers advice and see where it brings you ?
 

Related to Doppler effect w/ percentage frequency shift?

1. What is the Doppler Effect?

The Doppler Effect is the change in frequency or wavelength of a wave in relation to an observer who is moving relative to the source of the wave. It is commonly observed with sound waves, where the frequency appears to increase as the source moves towards the observer and decrease as it moves away.

2. How does the Doppler Effect affect the frequency of a wave?

The frequency of a wave is affected by the relative motion between the source of the wave and the observer. If the source is moving towards the observer, the frequency appears to increase. If the source is moving away from the observer, the frequency appears to decrease. This change in frequency is known as the Doppler shift.

3. What is the percentage frequency shift in the Doppler Effect?

The percentage frequency shift in the Doppler Effect is the percentage change in frequency of a wave due to the relative motion between the source and the observer. It is calculated by taking the difference between the observed frequency and the original frequency, divided by the original frequency and multiplied by 100.

4. How is the Doppler Effect used in real life?

The Doppler Effect is used in various real-life applications such as radar and sonar systems, where it is used to measure the speed and direction of moving objects. It is also used in astronomy to study the motion of celestial objects and in medical imaging to measure blood flow.

5. What factors can affect the percentage frequency shift in the Doppler Effect?

The percentage frequency shift in the Doppler Effect can be affected by the speed of the source and observer, the angle of the motion, and the speed of the wave. It can also be affected by the medium through which the wave is traveling, as well as any obstructions or reflections that may alter the path of the wave.

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