What is the Doppler Effect and how does it work?

[TyroneBorr]

Can someone explain the Doppler Effect in simple terms? I'm especially curious how it relates to sound or light waves in everyday life.

 

[BarryRaymo]

The Doppler Effect is the apparent change in frequency or wavelength of a wave when the source or observer is moving. As the source approaches, waves are compressed, creating a higher frequency or pitch. When it moves away, waves are stretched, producing a lower frequency. It applies to sound, light, and electromagnetic waves.

 

[jarwish]

The Doppler Effect is the change in frequency or wavelength of a wave as its source and observer move relative to each other. When the source approaches, waves compress, increasing frequency (higher pitch); when it moves away, waves stretch, decreasing frequency (lower pitch). It applies to sound and light.

 

[Lucky]

The Doppler Effect occurs when a sound or light source moves relative to an observer. As it approaches, waves compress, increasing frequency and pitch; as it moves away, waves stretch, lowering pitch. It explains why a siren sounds higher when nearing and lower when passing by or moving away.

 

[peterkavinsky]

The Doppler Effect is the change in frequency or pitch of a sound or wave depending on the motion of its source or the observer. When the source moves toward you, the waves get compressed, making the sound higher pitched. When it moves away, the waves stretch out, making the sound lower pitched.

This effect also applies to light waves, helping astronomers measure whether stars or galaxies are moving closer or farther from Earth.

 

[robbin]

The Doppler effect is the change in frequency of a wave when the source or observer moves. As an object approaches, waves compress, making the sound or light appear higher in frequency. As it moves away, waves stretch, lowering the frequency. This principle applies to sound, light, and electromagnetic waves.

 

[david01]

The Doppler Effect is the perceived variation in frequency or wavelength of a wave when the source or observer is in motion. As the source moves closer, the waves are crowded together, which means a higher frequency or pitch is produced. When the relocation is in the opposite direction, the waves are elongated, so a lower frequency is the result. This effect is valid for sound, light, and electromagnetic waves.

 

[celia]

The Doppler Effect is when a wave’s pitch or color changes because the source or observer is moving - like a siren sounding higher as it comes toward you and lower as it goes away. It happens with sound and even light in the same way.

 

[Cayson]

The Doppler Effect is the change in frequency or pitch of a sound or wave as the source and observer move relative to each other. When they move closer, frequency increases; when they move apart, frequency decreases, creating a noticeable shift.

 

[Elijah]

The Doppler Effect is the change in how a sound or wave is heard when the source or the observer is moving. If the source moves toward you, waves get compressed and the pitch/frequency increases; if it moves away, waves stretch out and the pitch/frequency decreases.