I’m trying to understand the concept of relative velocity in the context of sound waves. When sound travels from a source to a receiver, I’m confused about how to calculate the wave’s velocity relative to the source (vwm). The equation Vfm = 80 m/s represents the velocity of the medium moving at a constant relative to the medium. Now, if I want to find the velocity of the medium moving from the source, why do I have to add up the velocity of the wave relative to the source and the velocity of the source relative to the medium? Also, when should I use the velocity of the medium relative to the source, and when should I use the velocity of the source relative to the medium?”
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>Now, if I want to find the velocity of the medium moving from the source, why do I have to add up the velocity of the wave relative to the source and the velocity of the source relative to the medium?
It’s the same process as if you were to hop on a train doing 50, and ride a bike on top of it doing 10. The speed relative to the ground is 60, the sum of both velocities.
Sound propagates as a wave. A sound wave propagates through the medium of air. The wave’s velocity relative to the sound source is only one part of its velocity, the other being how fast the wave itself is propagating in the medium, and that is determined by the properties of the medium itself (air pressure and temperature).
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