What is the Doppler effect?
- Leaving Cert Physics - Question e - 2006
Question e
What is the Doppler effect?
Worked Solution & Example Answer:What is the Doppler effect?
- Leaving Cert Physics - Question e - 2006
Step 1
Definition of the Doppler effect
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Answer
The Doppler effect is an apparent change in the frequency of a wave observed when the source of the wave is moving relative to an observer. This effect can occur with any type of wave, including sound waves and electromagnetic waves like light.
Step 2
Reference to motion
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Answer
The Doppler effect is observed due to the relative motion between the source (S) and the observer (O). As the source moves towards the observer, the waves are compressed, leading to a higher frequency (blue shift in light). Conversely, if the source moves away from the observer, the waves are stretched, resulting in a lower frequency (red shift in light).
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