An observer detects an apparent frequency of 505 hz coming from a 500 hz source. Which is true?
a. the observer is moving due east, away from the stationary source
b. the source is moving due west, away from the stationary observer
c. the souce and the observer are moving away from eachother
d. the observer is moving toward the stationary source
e. a, b and c are possible
To determine the correct answer, we need to consider the phenomenon known as the Doppler effect. The Doppler effect is the apparent change in frequency of a wave when the source of the wave or the observer is in relative motion.
In this case, the observer detects an apparent frequency of 505 Hz, which is higher than the actual frequency of the source (500 Hz). This indicates that the observer is perceiving a higher frequency than what is actually being emitted.
According to the Doppler effect, when the source and the observer are moving towards each other, the observed frequency increases. Conversely, when they are moving away from each other, the observed frequency decreases.
Given that the observer is perceiving a higher frequency, we can conclude that the observer is moving towards the stationary source. Therefore, the correct answer is:
d. the observer is moving toward the stationary source