What is the Doppler effect?

The Doppler effect is the change in frequency that occurs when a source is moving relative to an observer. If the source moves away from the observer, the wavelength will be increased and therefore the frequency decreases. Similarly, if the source moves towards the observer, the wavelength will decrease and frequency is increased.

AM
Answered by Alex M. Physics tutor

3769 Views

See similar Physics GCSE tutors

Related Physics GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Find the period of a wave given that it has a speed of 200m/s and a wavelength of 2m


Explain what terminal velocity means.


Calculate the acceleration of particle thats velocity changes from 20ms^-1 to 40ms^-1 in 5 seconds, assuming its constant.


Write down the equation which links speed, distance and time


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning