The Doppler Effect Makes Waves Longer or Shorter Flashcards
1
Q
What will the waves produced by a source which is moving towards or away from an observer have?
A
A different wavelength than they would if the source were stationary
2
Q
Why is this?
A
Because the wave speed is constant, so if the source is moving, it ‘catches up’ to the waves in front of it
3
Q
What does this cause the wavefronts to do?
A
Bunch up in front of the moving source and spread out behind it
4
Q
What will the frequency of a wave from a source moving towards you be?
A
Higher and it’s wavelength will be shorter than the wave produced by the source
5
Q
The faster a wave is moving away from you…
A
The longer it’s wavelength will be
6
Q
Look at the diagram on page 28
A
Ok