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

Doppler effect for sound waves — practice question

A train whistle produces sound with frequency $500\,\text{Hz}$ while the train travels at a speed of $20\,\text{m s}^{-1}$ along a straight track. The train is moving straight towards a stationary observer beside the track, and then it goes past the observer. The speed of sound in air is $330\,\text{m s}^{-1}$. What is the difference between the frequencies of the sound heard by the observer before the train passes and after it has passed the observer?

  • A$29\,\text{Hz}$
  • B$32\,\text{Hz}$
  • C$40\,\text{Hz}$
  • D$61\,\text{Hz}$

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