Ultrasonic Sound Bats Fly High

Which frequencies will the smaller bat detect in the scenarios?

Order the frequencies that the smaller bat detects in the four scenarios from highest to lowest. Assume that the speed of sound is 343.0 m/s.

Answer:

From highest to lowest frequency, the smaller bat will detect the frequencies in the following order:

A. Highest frequency: 34.45 kHz

B. 34.83 kHz

C. 34.90 kHz

D. Lowest frequency: 35.27 kHz

The scenario involves a large bat emitting ultrasonic sound waves and a smaller bat detecting these waves at different frequencies based on their relative speeds and the speed of sound in air. In each scenario, the frequencies detected by the smaller bat vary due to the Doppler effect.

In Scenario A, where the large bat and the small bat are moving towards each other, the smaller bat detects the highest frequency of 34.45 kHz. This is because the motion of the bats causes a compression of the sound waves, resulting in a higher frequency signal being detected by the smaller bat.

In Scenario B, where the large bat and the small bat are moving in the same direction, the smaller bat detects a frequency of 34.83 kHz. The relative speeds of the bats influence the frequency detected by the smaller bat in this scenario.

In Scenario C, where part of the large bat's signal reflects off the small bat, the smaller bat detects a frequency of 34.90 kHz. The reflection of the sound waves off the small bat affects the frequency detected by the smaller bat in this case.

In Scenario D, where the large bat and the small bat are moving away from each other, the smaller bat detects the lowest frequency of 35.27 kHz. The motion of the bats results in a rarefaction of the sound waves, leading to a lower frequency being detected by the smaller bat.

Overall, the order of frequencies detected by the smaller bat in the scenarios from highest to lowest provides insights into the complexities of ultrasonic communication and the Doppler effect in bat behavior.