IB Physics SL C.5 Doppler effect questions

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Question 1

Paper 2Easy9 marks

A sound source emits a steady tone into still air. Its emitted frequency is fsf_s in both situations shown in Figure 1. The figure shows successive wavefronts along the line of motion at one instant. In A, the source is fixed and O moves as indicated. In B, the source moves as indicated while O₁ and O₂ are stationary. The diagrams are schematic; compare only the separations of adjacent wavefronts.

ASOwave propagationmotion of observerBSO2O1motion of source
(a)

Describe the spacing of the wavefronts in A and state whether motion of O changes their spacing in the air.

[2]
(b)

Explain whether the frequency heard by O is higher or lower than fsf_s

[2]
(c)

In B, state the direction in which the source moves and compare the wavefront spacing ahead of and behind it.

[3]
(d)

State whether O₁ hears a frequency higher or lower than fsf_s

[1]
(e)

State whether O₂ hears a frequency higher or lower than fsf_s

[1]

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