The Doppler Effect Formula

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 50 views

**A Train is Moving Away from an Observer: Understanding the Doppler Effect**

What is the Doppler Effect?

The Doppler Effect is a phenomenon in physics where the frequency of a wave appears to change when the source of the wave and the observer are moving relative to each other. This effect is commonly observed in sound waves, but it can also occur with light waves. In the context of this article, we will be exploring the Doppler Effect as it relates to sound waves.

The Doppler Effect Formula

The Doppler Effect formula is used to calculate the frequency of a wave as observed by an observer moving relative to the source of the wave. The formula is as follows:

f' = f * (v + v_o) / (v - v_s)

Where:

f' is the observed frequency
f is the emitted frequency
v is the speed of sound
v_o is the velocity of the observer
v_s is the velocity of the source

A Train is Moving Away from an Observer

In this scenario, a train is moving away from an observer at a speed of 120.0 km/hr. The train is emitting a whistle at a frequency of 800 Hz. We want to find the velocity of the observer that would allow them to hear a pitch of 750 Hz.

Calculating the Velocity of the Observer

To calculate the velocity of the observer, we can use the Doppler Effect formula. We know the emitted frequency (f = 800 Hz), the observed frequency (f' = 750 Hz), and the speed of sound (v = 343 m/s). We can plug these values into the formula and solve for v_o.

f' = f * (v + v_o) / (v - v_s)

750 = 800 * (343 + v_o) / (343 - 120)

To solve for v_o, we can start by multiplying both sides of the equation by (343 - 120).

750 * (343 - 120) = 800 * (343 + v_o)

To simplify the equation, we can calculate the values of (343 - 120) and (343 + v_o).

(343 - 120) = 223

(343 + v_o) = (343 + v_o)

Now we can plug these values back into the equation.

750 * 223 = 800 * (343 + v_o)

167250 = 320000 + 800v_o

To solve for v_o, we can start by subtracting 320000 from both sides of the equation.

-152750 = 800v_o

Now we can divide both sides of the equation by 800.

-191.5625 = v_o

Conclusion

In this article, we explored the Doppler Effect and how it relates to sound waves. We used the Doppler Effect formula to calculate the velocity of an observer that would allow them to hear a pitch of 750 Hz as a train moves away from them at a speed of 120.0 km/hr. The calculated velocity of the observer is -191.5625 m/s.

Q&A

Q: What is the Doppler Effect?

A: The Doppler Effect is a phenomenon in physics where the frequency of a wave appears to change when the source of the wave and the observer are moving relative to each other.

Q: What is the Doppler Effect formula?

A: The Doppler Effect formula is used to calculate the frequency of a wave as observed by an observer moving relative to the source of the wave. The formula is as follows:

f' = f * (v + v_o) / (v - v_s)

Q: How do I calculate the velocity of an observer using the Doppler Effect formula?

A: To calculate the velocity of an observer using the Doppler Effect formula, you can plug in the values of the emitted frequency, observed frequency, speed of sound, and velocity of the source. Then, solve for the velocity of the observer.

Q: What is the velocity of the observer in the scenario where a train is moving away from them at a speed of 120.0 km/hr and emitting a whistle at 800 Hz?

A: The calculated velocity of the observer is -191.5625 m/s.

Q: What is the significance of the Doppler Effect in real-world applications?

A: The Doppler Effect has many real-world applications, including radar technology, medical imaging, and astronomy. It is also used in the design of musical instruments and the creation of special effects in movies.

Q: Can the Doppler Effect be observed in everyday life?

A: Yes, the Doppler Effect can be observed in everyday life. For example, when a police car is approaching you with its sirens on, the pitch of the siren appears to increase as it gets closer. As it moves away from you, the pitch of the siren appears to decrease. This is an example of the Doppler Effect in action.