A source emits sound at a fixed constant frequency f . If the source moves, the wavelength of the sound in front of the direction of motion is ____________ the wavelength behind the direction of motion.
A) the same as
B) larger than
C) smaller than
D) unrelated to

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

According to the Doppler effect, when a sound source moves towards an observer, the frequency of the sound waves increases and the wavelength decreases. Conversely, when the sound source moves away from an observer, the frequency of the sound waves decreases and the wavelength increases. Therefore, in front of the direction of motion, the wavelength will be smaller than the wavelength behind the direction of motion.

A Source Emits Sound at a Fixed Constant Frequency F