Physics 9702 · AS & A Level · Doppler effect for sound waves

Doppler effect for sound waves — practice question

(a)[2]

State the meaning of the Doppler effect.

(b)

A child is seated on a rotating horizontal platform in a playground. The child travels at constant speed along a circular path, as shown in Fig. 4.1. A distant observer stands far from the child. During one complete turn, the child, moving at $7.5\,\text{m s}^{-1}$, begins blowing a whistle at point $P$ and stops blowing it at point $Q$ on the circular path. The whistle produces sound with frequency $950\,\text{Hz}$. The speed of sound in air is $330\,\text{m s}^{-1}$.

(b(i))[2]

Determine the highest frequency of the sound heard by the distant observer.

(b(ii))[2]

Describe how the frequency of the sound heard by the distant observer changes.

Worked solution & mark scheme

This 6-mark question has a full step-by-step worked solution and mark scheme. One marking point: Gives Doppler effect as change in frequency caused by relative motion

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