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

3681 Views

See similar Physics GCSE tutors

Related Physics GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Help! How do I rearrange equations?


Why does your hair stand on end when you touch a Van de Graaff generator?


Why does atmospheric pressure drop when altitude increases?


What is convection?


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:

© 2025 by IXL Learning