Abstract While investigating the phenomenon of acoustic beats using two tuning forks, we observed that the Doppler effect alters the beat frequency of the tones produced. This effect is easily perceived by observers, offering physics students a very direct experience of even very small shifts in frequency, and can be readily explained using the physical principles behind beat formation. For precise speed measurements, we replicated the phenomenon using a small cart, mobile phones, and a computer-based measuring device. The analysis of the recorded data revealed that this setup enables the cart’s velocity to be determined to within 1 cm s −1 . The results of the acoustic measurements were verified through video analysis of the motion. The developed experimental setup is suitable for implementation in classroom settings or student laboratories, offering an effective means of increasing student engagement and deepening their understanding of physics.
Bihari et al. (Thu,) studied this question.