Physics Waves MDCAT 2012
PMDC Verified Question 117 of 125
When the source of sound moves towards the stationary observer, the value of apparent frequency '\( f_o \)' is:
A
\( f_o = \left(\frac{v+u}{v}\right)f \)
B
\( f_o = \left(\frac{v}{v+u_s}\right)f \)
C
\( f_o = \left(\frac{v}{v-u}\right)f \)
D
\( f_o = \left(\frac{v-u}{v}\right)f \)
Tap any option to test your recall and reveal the step-by-step Propolis autopsy.

Propolis Cognitive Error Autopsy

Official Correct Choice:
Option C: \( f_o = \left(\frac{v}{v-u}\right)f \)
Concept:

According to the Doppler Effect, when a source moves towards a stationary observer, the sound waves get "compressed" in front of the source, leading to a shorter apparent wavelength and a higher apparent frequency.

Formula:

$$ f' = \left( \frac{v}{v - v_{\text{source}}} \right) f $$

Solution:

  • To mathematically yield a higher frequency (\( f_o > f \)), the fraction must be greater than 1.


  • This requires the denominator to be smaller than the numerator.


  • Using \( (v - u) \) in the denominator correctly models this increase, where \( u \) represents the source velocity.


Why other options are incorrect:

Option A describes an observer moving towards a source. Option B describes a source moving away (lower frequency). Option D describes an observer moving away.

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