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Writer's picturekeshprad

PhysicsBowl 2017 Q39


39) For this question, we have a wave traveling at a constant speed in a one-dimensional plane. We are told that the wave travels at a speed v. We also know the ratio of the wavelength experienced by an observer behind the source to the wavelength measured by an observer in front of the source. We can first draw out this situation.

Where v represents the velocity and direction of propogation

The question gives us the ratio of the wavelength experienced by each of the people. By analyzing relationships in the general wave equation (v = f * λ), we see that frequency and wavelength are inversely related. We can use the given information to come up with a ratio between the perceived frequency of the wave by persons A and B.

Where λ is wavelength, and f is frequency

Since the wave is moving away from person A and towards person B, they experience the wave at different frequencies. This is called the Doppler Effect; this is a common effect, and you may have experienced a Doppler shift in frequency as a loud firetruck passes by with its sirens on.


We can write a general equation for the Doppler effect on frequency.

Where f' is the perceived frequency, v is the speed of the wave, v[o] is the speed of the observer, v[s] is the speed of the source, and f is the frequency of the wave

From here, we can look at the perceived frequency for the two people. both people are stationary, so v[o] will be 0. The wave has a speed v, as given in the problem, and we need to solve for v[s].

Where f[A] or f[B] is the perceived frequency, v is the speed of the wave, v[o] is the speed of the observer, v[s] is the speed of the source, and f is the frequency of the wave

From here, we can use the initial relation we found between f[A] and f[B] to solve for v[s] in terms of v.

Where f[A] or f[B] is the perceived frequency, v is the speed of the wave, v[o] is the speed of the observer, v[s] is the speed of the source, and f is the frequency of the wave

Answer: A

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