A source of sound producing wavelength of $50 \text{ cm}$ is moving away from stationary observer with $\frac{1}{5}\text{th}$ speed of sound. The wavelength of the sound heard by the observer is
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If a source moves away, the wavelength always increases (redshift-like behavior in sound). If it moves towards, the wavelength decreases. This helps you immediately eliminate option (C).
This problem is an application of the Doppler Effect for sound, specifically regarding the change in apparent wavelength when a source moves away from an observer.
Step 1: Identify the Wavelength Formula
When a source moves away from a stationary observer, the apparent wavelength $\lambda'$ is given by:
$$\lambda' = \lambda \left( \frac{v + v_s}{v} \right)$$
Where:
• $\lambda = 50 \text{ cm}$ (original wavelength)
• $v$ = speed of sound
• $v_s = \frac{1}{5}v$ (speed of source)
Step 2: Substitute and Solve
$$\lambda' = 50 \left( \frac{v + \frac{1}{5}v}{v} \right)$$
$$\lambda' = 50 \left( \frac{\frac{6}{5}v}{v} \right)$$
$$\lambda' = 50 \times \frac{6}{5}$$
$$\lambda' = 10 \times 6 = 60 \text{ cm}$$
The wavelength heard by the stationary observer is $60$ cm.