An observer moves towards a stationary source of sound, with velocity one-fifth of the velocity of sound.…

An observer moves towards a stationary source of sound, with velocity one-fifth of the velocity of sound. What is the percentage increase in the apparent frequency?
  1. $5\%$
  2. $20\%$
  3. zero
  4. $0.5\%$

Solution

When observer moves towards stationary source, then apparent frequency, $f' = \left[\frac{v + v_o}{v}\right] f = \left[\frac{v + v/5}{v}\right] f = \frac{6}{5} f = 1.2f$ Increment in frequency $= 0.2 f$, so percentage change in frequency $= \frac{0.2f}{f} \times 100 = 20\%$

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