When a source is moving towards a stationary observer, the apparent change in frequency will be:
Correct answer: A. Greater than the original frequency
- A. Greater than the original frequency
- B. Remains the same as that of original frequency
- C. Smaller than the original frequency
- D. None of the above
Explanation
Option A: The apparent change in frequency will be greater than the original frequency when a source is moving towards a stationary observer. This is because the waves from the source are compressed as they approach the observer, which increases the frequency of the waves.The opposite is true when the source is moving away from the observer. In that case, the waves are stretched out, which decreases the frequency of the waves.This is known as the Doppler effect. It is a phenomenon that occurs when there is a relative motion between a source of waves and an observer. The Doppler effect can be observed with sound waves, light waves, and other waves. Option B: This is not possible. The frequency of the waves from the source will always change when there is a relative motion between the source and the observer. The only way that the frequency of the waves would remain the same is if the source and the observer were moving at the same speed in the same direction. Optio C: This is possible. When a source is moving away from a stationary observer, the waves from the source are stretched out as they move away from the observer, which decreases the frequency of the waves. This is known as the redshift. The redshift is a phenomenon that occurs when there is a relative motion between a source of waves and an observer, and the source is moving away from the observer. The redshift can be observed with light waves, and it is used to measure the expansion of the universe. Option D: This is not possible. The frequency of the waves from the source will always change when there is a relative motion between the source and the observer. The only way that the frequency of the waves would not change is if the source and the observer were not moving relative to each other.
Last updated
About Waves
Progressive waves transfer energy through oscillations, with wavelength, frequency, amplitude and wave speed related by v = fλ; sound speed depends on the medium. Superposition produces interference and stationary waves in strings and organ pipes, while simple harmonic motion describes the oscillation itself and must be distinguished from wave propagation.
Practise Waves
1,281 free Waves MCQs from Physics, each with the correct answer and an explanation. Unlimited attempts, no account needed.
Exams that ask Physics questions like this
Physics is on 13 papers prepared for on TestUstad, and all of them draw the same bank, so this question is worth knowing for every one of them.
Related questions
20 waves pass through a point in a medium, in 5 seconds. What is the time required for one wave to pass?
A 100 cm long string fixed at its two ends is plucked from the middle. The wavelength of stationary waves generated is:
A 100 cm long string fixed at its two ends is plucked from the middle. The wavelength of stationary waves generated is:
A 200 cm organ pipe with one end open is in resonance with a sound wave of wavelength 270 cm. The pipe is operating in its:
A car moving at 30 m/s toward an observer sounds its horn at 400 Hz. If the speed of sound is 343 m/s, what frequency does the observer hear?