Frequency & the Doppler Effect Flashcards
What is frequency?
In relation to waves
The rate of repeating waves passing in a given time
So, what’s the formulas for frequency?
- 1/T (period)
- 1 wavelength/ seconds
What’s the relationship between frequency and wavelength?
They are inversely proportional
High f, shorter wavelength
Low f, longer wavelength
So, when the frequency is high, what does that mean?
- More energy created
- Higher pitch
- Shorter wavelength (they are inversely proportional, remember? :>)
So, when the frequency is low, what does that mean?
- Less energy created
- Lower pitch
- Longer wavelength (they are inversely proportional, remember? :>)
What is the Doppler Effect?
Is when there’s a change in frequency of a wave depending how far or close a person is to the source
Doppler Effect Continued
For example, how will the frequency of a sound wave change if plane is far away from you?
- Frequency be lower
- Pitch be lower
- Wavelength be longer
Doppler Effect Continued
For example, how will the frequency of a sound wave change if a plane is closer to you?
- Frequency be higher
- Pitch be higher
- Wavelength be shorter
Doppler Effect Continued
For example, how will the frequency of a visible light wave change if a star is far away from you?
- Frequency be lower
- light will look more red (red shift)
Doppler Effect Continued
For example, how will the frequency of a visible light wave change if a star is closer to you?
- Frequency be higher
- light will look more blue (blue shift)