Doppler Effect

Front

What is the Doppler Effect?

Back

The Doppler Effect is the change in frequency or wavelength of a wave in relation to an observer who is moving relative to the wave source.

Front

What happens to the pitch of a sound when the source moves away from the observer?

Back

The pitch of the sound decreases, making it sound lower.

Front

What happens to the pitch of a sound when the source moves towards the observer?

Back

The pitch of the sound increases, making it sound higher.

Front

What is redshift in astronomy?

Back

Redshift occurs when light from an object is shifted towards the red end of the spectrum, indicating that the object is moving away from the observer.

Front

What is blueshift in astronomy?

Back

Blueshift occurs when light from an object is shifted towards the blue end of the spectrum, indicating that the object is moving towards the observer.

Front

How does the Doppler Effect apply to sound waves?

Back

As a sound source moves towards an observer, the sound waves compress, leading to a higher frequency (higher pitch). As it moves away, the waves stretch, leading to a lower frequency (lower pitch).

Front

What is the relationship between wavelength and frequency as an object moves towards an observer?

Back

As an object moves towards an observer, the wavelength decreases and the frequency increases.

Front

What is the relationship between wavelength and frequency as an object moves away from an observer?

Back

As an object moves away from an observer, the wavelength increases and the frequency decreases.

Front

What is the formula for the Doppler Effect for sound?

Back

f' = f (v + vo) / (v + vs), where f' is the observed frequency, f is the source frequency, v is the speed of sound, vo is the speed of the observer, and vs is the speed of the source.

Front

What is the significance of the Doppler Effect in astronomy?

Back

The Doppler Effect helps astronomers determine the movement and speed of stars and galaxies, indicating whether they are moving towards or away from Earth.