Q7DQ - University Physics with Modern Physics

Question

Lane dividers on highways sometimes have regularly

spaced ridges or ripples. When the tires of a moving car roll along

such a divider, a musical note is produced. Why? Explain how this

phenomenon could be used to measure the car’s speed.

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

The musical car produces pitch at higher speed while it passes over the bumps.

Step 1: Write the given data:

The musical note is produced on the highway by the tires with moving car roll.

Step 2: Determine the concept

Consider the formula for the wavelength in terms of the speed of the wave.

$\mathit{\lambda }\mathbf{=}\frac{{\mathbf{v}}_{\mathbf{s}}}{\mathbf{f}}$

Here, the frequency is f  and the speed of the wave is  $v_s$

Step 3: Determine the reason for the given condition

Consider as the vehicle while it passes over the bumps, the vehicle vibrates with the frequency while passing over the bump. Consider the frequency creates a note that produces the musical note. As the speed of the vehicle increases the bumps are crossed at much higher speed causing the increase in the pitch.

Therefore, the musical car produces pitch at higher speed while it passes over the bumps.