Doppler Effect

Claimed and made by Erich Hoffstetter

This topic covers the Doppler Effect.

The Main Idea

The Doppler Effect is the change of wavelength or frequency of a wave whenever its source is moving relative to the observer. A real life example of the Doppler Effect is when a vehicle, for example an ambulance, passes by the observer and when the ambulance approaches, the pitch increases but after the ambulance passes by the observer, the sound drastically recedes, as shown in this YouTube video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a3RfULw7aAY.

Explanation

The increase in frequency and smaller wavelength is due to the source of the waves moving towards the observer as each successive wave crest is emitted closer to the observer from the previous wave.

The drastic reduce of pitch after the source moves past the observer is due to the movement of the waves as seen in the image example below.

The Doppler Effect is not only shown in sound waves as in the example of the ambulance and the image above. But also with other waves such as water waves and light waves.

Examples

Be sure to show all steps in your solution and include diagrams whenever possible

Connectedness

1. How is this topic connected to something that you are interested in?
2. How is it connected to your major?
3. Is there an interesting industrial application?

History

Put this idea in historical context. Give the reader the Who, What, When, Where, and Why.

See also

Are there related topics or categories in this wiki resource for the curious reader to explore? How does this topic fit into that context?

Further reading

Books, Articles or other print media on this topic

1. http://www.physicsclassroom.com/class/waves/Lesson-3/The-Doppler-Effect

External links

Internet resources on this topic

1. Sheldon's (From The Big Bang Theory) Explanation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y5KaeCZ_AaY

References

This section contains the the references you used while writing this page