In many cartoon shows, a character runs off a cliff, realizes his predicament, and lets out a scream. He continues to scream as he falls. If the physical situation is portrayed correctly, from the vantage
Point of an observer at the foot of the cliff, the pitch of the scream as he falls should be
A) lower than the original pitch and constant.
B) higher than the original pitch and constant.
C) lower than the original pitch and decreasing as he falls.
D) higher than the original pitch and increasing as he falls.
E) It is impossible to predict.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

This scenario is an example of the Doppler effect, where the frequency of a sound increases for an observer as the source of the sound approaches. As the character falls (approaches the observer), the pitch (frequency) of the scream would be perceived as higher and increasing.

In Many Cartoon Shows, a Character Runs Off a Cliff