Doppler Effect
Doppler Effect
Doppler Effect
Doppler effect: The change in frequency/pitch of the sound detected by a listener due
to relative motion between the sound source and the listener.
Frequency: The number of vibrations per second
Wavelength: The distance between two successive points in phase
Wave equation: Speed = frequency x wavelength ( v = f x λ )
The sound travels at the same speed in all directions, and so the distance
between any two successive compressions is the same in all directions.
An Observer on the left and an Observer on the right, therefore, observes the
same frequency, and hears the same pitch, from the whistle, no matter where
they are standing.
(a) Sound waves emitted from a moving source.
The compressions in front of the truck will be closer together than when the train was at
rest.
This is because the truck is moving towards the previously emitted wavefront when the
next wavefront is sent.
A stationary observer in front of the truck will experience more wavefronts arriving per
second than when the truck was stationary.
This increased frequency of the wave results in this observer hearing a higher pitched
sound.
The compressions behind the truck will be further apart than when it was at rest.
This is because the truck is moving away from the previously emitted wavefront when
the next wave front is sent.
An observer behind the truck will experience fewer wavefronts arriving per second than
when the truck was stationary.
This decreased frequency of the wave results in this observer hearing a deeper pitched
sound.
Using the plus (+) or minus (-) sings depends on the relative motions of the
source and observer.
If the relative motion of the source and observer is towards one another, use the
equation.
If the relative motion of the source and observer is away from one another, use the
equation.
Doppler flow meter; Measuring foetal heartbeat; Ultrasound/Sonar; Radar (for speeding)
or
Blood flow meter; Measuring the heartbeat of a foetus; Radar; Sonar; Used to
determine whether stars are receding or approaching earth.