Physics Waves MDCAT 2017
PMDC Verified Question 107 of 125
A source of sound moves towards a stationary observer with speed one third speed of sound. If the frequency of the sound from the source is 100 Hz, the apparent frequency of the sound heard by the observer is:
A
60 Hz
B
200 Hz
C
100 Hz
D
150 Hz
Tap any option to test your recall and reveal the step-by-step Propolis autopsy.

Propolis Cognitive Error Autopsy

Official Correct Choice:
Option D: 150 Hz
Concept:

When a source approaches a stationary observer, the sound waves compress, leading to a higher apparent frequency.

Formula:

$$ f' = \left( \frac{v}{v - v_s} \right) f $$

Solution:

  • We are given that the source speed \( v_s = \frac{v}{3} \) and true frequency \( f = 100 \text{ Hz} \).


  • Substitute \( v_s \) into the formula: \( f' = \left( \frac{v}{v - v/3} \right) 100 \).


  • Simplify the denominator: \( v - \frac{v}{3} = \frac{2v}{3} \).


  • Therefore, \( f' = \left( \frac{v}{2v/3} \right) 100 = \left( \frac{3}{2} \right) 100 \).


  • \( f' = 1.5 \times 100 = 150 \text{ Hz} \).


Why other options are incorrect:

Using the formula for a receding source (adding in the denominator) yields 75 Hz. Mistakenly putting the speed change in the numerator yields wrong figures entirely.

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