An analysis is made of the change in pitch expected because of relative motion of a musical performance and a listener. The Doppler shift is combined with the cent as a measure of musical intervals, to result in an equation giving pitch changes as a function of velocity. The results show a typical pitch variation of 2.25 cents/mph; 3 cents is approximately the minimum detectable interval for the ear. Wind, temperature, and humidity have negligible effects. Brief discussions of reflections, arbitrary observation angles, and loudness effects are included, along with small asymmetries inherent in the Doppler shift.
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© 1974 American Association of Physics Teachers.
1974
American Association of Physics Teachers
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