Realistic explanation of the doppler effect

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the Doppler effect, particularly in the context of sound waves and moving sources. Participants seek a clear and realistic explanation of how the Doppler effect operates, especially regarding the relationship between the motion of a source and the perceived frequency of sound.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants share various explanations of the Doppler effect, discussing how sound waves are compressed or stretched based on the motion of the source relative to an observer. Questions arise about the timing of sound reaching an observer compared to the motion of the source.

Discussion Status

There is an ongoing exploration of the concepts involved in the Doppler effect, with participants providing insights and clarifications. Some guidance has been offered regarding the relationship between speed and sound perception, but no consensus has been reached on specific interpretations.

Contextual Notes

Participants are discussing the Doppler effect under the assumption that the source is moving slower than the speed of sound, raising questions about the implications of this speed on sound reaching an observer.

Moroni
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Could anyone who knows give me a really simple yet realistic explanation of the doppler effect. This is one of those things that just boggles the brain so to speak.
 
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Moroni said:
Could anyone who knows give me a really simple yet realistic explanation of the doppler effect. This is one of those things that just boggles the brain so to speak.

With a source moving through a sound medium (eg. air), the wavelength of the sound in the medium increases in the direction opposite to the motion and decreases in the direction of the motion. This is because in the time between vibrations, T = 1/f, the source moves a distance s = vT. Thus the wavelength in the direction of sound is reduced by vT and the wavelength opposite to the direction of sound is increased by vT.

See:http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/sound/dopp.html#c1

AM
 
the best way that I can think to explain it to you is like this.

if you are traveling towards a source while emitting sound, the sine function that the sound travels in gets compressed. This means that there is a higher frequency.

if you are traveling away from a source the opposite happens.

Also, it might help to evaluate this situation at the speed of sound. Imagine you are traveling towards a person at the speed of sound. All the sound that you emit that whole time will in a sense be traveling with you, and reach that person all at once. Conversely, if you are traveling twice the speed of sound, the sound that the person will hear will be in reverse of the way you played it. just think this concept over and let me know if you have any questions
 
and ill correct my use of the word conversely, and replace it with 'also'. I think i just used that word because I wanted to feel sophisticated
 
Thank You both very much.

My one question is, from what I understand then, if I'm moving (slower than the speed of sound,) then the sound will reach another object before or after I do?

You have helped me a lot and I appreciate it!:smile:
 
Moroni said:
Thank You both very much.

My one question is, from what I understand then, if I'm moving (slower than the speed of sound,) then the sound will reach another object before or after I do?

You have helped me a lot and I appreciate it!:smile:
I think you can figure that out. If the speed of sound is faster than your speed, will the sound travel farther than you or will you travel farther than the sound in a given time?

AM
 
That Makes Sense Thanks! I just wanted to clarify.
 

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