The Doppler Shift Calculator is a valuable tool used to determine the observed frequency of a wave when either the source of the wave or the observer is in motion relative to the medium through which the wave travels. This calculation is based on the Doppler effect, where the frequency of a wave changes due to relative motion between the source emitting the wave and the observer receiving it.
Formula of Doppler Shift Calculator
The formula utilized by the Doppler Shift Calculator is:
f_obs = f_source * (c + v_observer) / (c + v_source)
Where:
- f_obs: Observed frequency
- f_source: Source frequency (frequency emitted by the source)
- c: Speed of light in the medium (approximately 3 x 10^8 meters per second in a vacuum)
- v_observer: Velocity of the observer relative to the medium (positive if moving towards the source, negative if moving away)
- v_source: Velocity of the source relative to the medium (positive if moving away from the observer, negative if moving towards)
This formula allows for the calculation of the observed frequency based on these variables.
General Terms and Reference Table
To assist users, here’s a table of commonly used terms:
| Term | Description |
|---|---|
| Observed Frequency | The frequency observed by an observer |
| Source Frequency | The frequency emitted by the source |
| Speed of Light | Velocity of light in the specified medium |
| Observer Velocity | Velocity of the observer relative to the medium |
| Source Velocity | Velocity of the source relative to the medium |
This reference table provides useful insights into terms essential for understanding Doppler Shift calculations.
Examples of Doppler Shift Calculator
Consider a scenario where an ambulance siren emits a sound at a frequency of 1000 Hz. An observer stands on the roadside. If the ambulance approaches the observer at a speed of 20 m/s and the speed of sound is 340 m/s, the observed frequency can be calculate using the Doppler Shift formula.
Most Common FAQs
A: The Doppler Shift is observed in various real-life scenarios, such as the change in pitch of a passing siren or the redshift in astronomical observations.
A: Yes, the same principle applies to light waves, where the frequency shift results in phenomena like redshift or blueshift in cosmological contexts.