IB skill practice

Apply Doppler effect reasoning

Paper 1, Paper 2 5 marks Difficulty 4

Doppler frequency for moving observer

An observer moves toward a stationary sound source in a water ripple tank investigation. The source frequency is \(740\,\text{Hz}\), sound speed is \(340\,\text{m s}^{-1}\), and observer speed is \(10\,\text{m s}^{-1}\). Calculate the observed frequency. Use the diagram labels before calculating the requested value. Enter the numerical result and choose the interpretation that matches the wave physics.

Worked practice: physics data and result

Read the physical quantities first, then calculate the result and state what it means.