Three observers, not more than 1km apart on flat windless terrain, report the same event quite differently.

They meet up later. Amy says the low frequency sound occurred first, followed by the high frequency sound about 1 second later. John says she is an idiot and claims the high frequency sound happened first, followed by the low frequency sound. Their teacher recorded the event and can prove that both sounds occurred within 0.01 seconds of each other, but being a kind teacher doesn’t actually tell them they are both stupid.

Which possible true statement demonstrates the least incompetence in the observers. . .

(HINT: the speed of sound does not change significantly for the frequencies heard, and there are no temperature gradients or fog to consider.)

Author : Leslie Green