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The document explains the Doppler Effect, which occurs when a wave source moves relative to an observer, resulting in an apparent shift in frequency depending on the direction of movement. It provides mathematical equations for calculating observed frequency based on the speeds of the wave source and observer, along with example problems for practical understanding. Key concepts include the upward frequency shift when the source approaches and the downward shift when it recedes.

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7 views

LessonNotes

The document explains the Doppler Effect, which occurs when a wave source moves relative to an observer, resulting in an apparent shift in frequency depending on the direction of movement. It provides mathematical equations for calculating observed frequency based on the speeds of the wave source and observer, along with example problems for practical understanding. Key concepts include the upward frequency shift when the source approaches and the downward shift when it recedes.

Uploaded by

phamsini490
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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© The Physics Classroom www.physicsclassroom.

com/Physics-Video-Tutorial/Vibrations-and-Waves

The Doppler Effect


Lesson Notes
Learning Outcomes
• What is the Doppler effect?
• Why does the Doppler effect occur?
• What are the mathematics of the Doppler effect?
Disturbing Bugs
The Doppler effect is
observed when a wave
source is moving with
respect to an observer. The
observed effect depends on
whether the wave source is
moving towards or away
from the observer.

The Doppler Effect


The Doppler Effect is the effect produced when a source of waves is moving with respect
to an observer, causing …
• an apparent upward
shift in frequency for
observers towards
whom the source is
approaching, and
• an apparent
downward shift in
frequency for observers from whom the source is receding.

The Doppler Effect … Explained


• Since the ambulance is moving rightward, each successive wave has its center
positioned at a location that is closer to the observer B.
• The distance such waves need to travel to reach observer B is less than the distance to
reach observer A.
• With less distance to travel to reach observer B, those waves reach observer B at a
higher frequency than they reach observer A
Doppler Equation Moving Source
The observed frequency (fobserved) can be
calculated if the speed of the waves (vwave),
the speed of the wave source (vsource) and the
frequency at which the source generates
waves (fsource) are known.
In denominator:
Use - if source is approaching observer. Use + if source is receding from observer

Moving Source Example Problem


An ambulance traveling at 28 m/s has a siren that produces a 750 Hz sound wave that
travels through air at 340 m/s. Determine the frequency a stationary person observes as it
approaches and as it recedes.

Doppler Equation – Moving Observer


The observed frequency (fobserved) can be
calculated if the speed of the waves
(vwave), the speed of the observer (vobserver)
and the frequency at which the source
generates waves (fsource) are known.
Inside parenthesis:
Use + if observer is approaching the source. Use - if observer is receding from source.

Moving Observer Example Problem


A malfunctioning horn on a parked car is emitting sound waves with a frequency of 625 Hz.
What frequency would you observe as you approach and recede from the parked car at a
speed of 24 m/s? Sound waves travel at 345 m/s.

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