Physics HL
Physics HL
5
Chapters
329
Notes
Theme A - Space, Time & Motion
Theme A - Space, Time & Motion
Theme B - The Particulate Nature Of Matter
Theme B - The Particulate Nature Of Matter
Theme C - Wave Behaviour
Theme C - Wave Behaviour
Theme D - Fields
Theme D - Fields
Theme E - Nuclear & Quantum Physics
Theme E - Nuclear & Quantum Physics
IB Resources
Theme C - Wave Behaviour
Physics HL
Physics HL

Theme C - Wave Behaviour

Understanding The Doppler Effect: Moving Source Vs. Stationary Observer

Word Count Emoji
601 words
Reading Time Emoji
4 mins read
Updated at Emoji
Last edited on 5th Nov 2024

Table of content

What is the doppler effect? 🌊

The Doppler effect is the change in frequency or wavelength of a wave relative to an observer who is moving relative to the wave source. It can occur with any kind of wave, including sound, light, or radio waves. This effect is a key principle used in technologies like radar, sonar, and even the study of distant galaxies!

Moving source & stationary observer 🚗👀

When the source of the waves is moving, but the observer is stationary, the wavefronts appear to change as they reach the observer. Wavefronts are like the ripples you see when you throw a stone in the water; they move outward from the source. If the source is moving towards the observer, the wavefronts seem to sweep across the observer more quickly. This leads to an increase in observed frequency. If the source is moving away, the wavefronts appear more spread out, leading to a decrease in observed frequency.

 

Example: Sirens! 🚓

Imagine an ambulance moving towards you with its siren on. As it approaches, the sound of the siren seems to get higher-pitched. This is because the ambulance is compressing the sound waves, making the frequency higher. Once it passes you and starts moving away, the siren sounds lower-pitched because the sound waves are being stretched out, lowering the frequency.

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IB Resources
Theme C - Wave Behaviour
Physics HL
Physics HL

Theme C - Wave Behaviour

Understanding The Doppler Effect: Moving Source Vs. Stationary Observer

Word Count Emoji
601 words
Reading Time Emoji
4 mins read
Updated at Emoji
Last edited on 5th Nov 2024

Table of content

What is the doppler effect? 🌊

The Doppler effect is the change in frequency or wavelength of a wave relative to an observer who is moving relative to the wave source. It can occur with any kind of wave, including sound, light, or radio waves. This effect is a key principle used in technologies like radar, sonar, and even the study of distant galaxies!

Moving source & stationary observer 🚗👀

When the source of the waves is moving, but the observer is stationary, the wavefronts appear to change as they reach the observer. Wavefronts are like the ripples you see when you throw a stone in the water; they move outward from the source. If the source is moving towards the observer, the wavefronts seem to sweep across the observer more quickly. This leads to an increase in observed frequency. If the source is moving away, the wavefronts appear more spread out, leading to a decrease in observed frequency.

 

Example: Sirens! 🚓

Imagine an ambulance moving towards you with its siren on. As it approaches, the sound of the siren seems to get higher-pitched. This is because the ambulance is compressing the sound waves, making the frequency higher. Once it passes you and starts moving away, the siren sounds lower-pitched because the sound waves are being stretched out, lowering the frequency.

Unlock the Full Content! File Is Locked Emoji

Dive deeper and gain exclusive access to premium files of Physics HL. Subscribe now and get closer to that 45 🌟

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