Doppler Effect Explained: What Is It?

  • Context: High School 
  • Thread starter Thread starter DrPhy
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Doppler
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the Doppler Effect, particularly focusing on its definition, implications, and related phenomena. Participants explore both the frequency decrease when a sound source moves away and the frequency increase as it approaches. There are also inquiries about the effect on atomic interactions with photons.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants describe the Doppler Effect as involving a drop in frequency when a sound source passes by, while also noting the increase in frequency as the source approaches.
  • One participant expresses curiosity about how the Doppler Effect influences atomic behavior, particularly regarding photons and electrons as they interact with moving objects.
  • Another participant suggests that the inquiry about atomic effects may warrant a separate discussion thread.
  • A link to an animation demonstrating the Doppler Effect is shared, along with a mention of additional resources available on Wikipedia.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the basic principles of the Doppler Effect but express differing levels of understanding and interest in its implications, particularly regarding atomic interactions. The inquiry about atomic effects remains unresolved and is suggested to be explored further in a separate thread.

Contextual Notes

Some assumptions about the nature of atomic interactions with photons are not fully explored, and there is a lack of consensus on how the Doppler Effect applies in that context.

DrPhy
Messages
2
Reaction score
0
I know its to do with the drop of frequency when the object that is making the noise passes you, but what exactly is it? I don't know much about it.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
DrPhy said:
I know its to do with the drop of frequency when the object that is making the noise passes you, but what exactly is it? I don't know much about it.

not just the drop in freq, but also the increase in freq as the object is moving towards you

Anyway reading Doc Al's link should clarify things for you

Dave
 
Does anyone know much about how atoms are effected by the Doppler effect as they move...or as something moves towards them?

I've been trying to visualise it. Like as a photon approaches an atom, the atom seems flat to the photon. I've been thinking about electrons too.
 
Sounds like a separate thread there krd.
How about starting one and pinging me to reply?

Hint:
when you use length contraction - all of space gets flattened, not just objects in space.
 
Good find alextx - wikipedia also has a bunch of them.
 

Similar threads

High School Doppler effect formula confusion
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
2K
High School Audio frequency of a humidifier
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
1K
Undergrad Who's moving towards whom in Doppler effect situations?
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
2K
Undergrad Explaining Doppler Effect Asymmetry
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
3K
Speed of moth related to Doppler Effect
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
1K
Undergrad Doppler effect in transparent media and the index of refraction
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
1K
Undergrad How Does Acceleration Affect the Doppler Effect in Moving Sound Emitters?
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
High School Why is the constant speed of light so unique?
  • · Replies 19 ·
Replies
19
Views
2K
Undergrad Relativistic Doppler Effect near a Black Hole
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
High School Doppler effect/ both moving same direction
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
11K