Doppler Effect

Resting sound source

f s fo
Frequency fs

source
at rest

V=340m/s

Frequency fo

observer
at rest

Sound source moving toward observer

fo f s
Observer hears
increased pitch
(shorter wave length)

Frequency fs

source

Frequency fo

observer
at rest

Sound source moving away from observer

fo f s
Observer hears
decreased pitch
(longer wave length)
Frequency fo

Frequency fs

observer
at rest

source

Frequency heard by observer

Source moving toward
observer.
Perceived
wavelength: o s
With v s f s o f o

vs
vs s
fs

v
v vs

fo f s f s

Observer:

v
fo
fs
v vs

Observed frequency
Source toward
observer:
Increased
frequency

Source away
from observer:
Decreased
frequency

v
fo
fs
v vs

v
fo
fs
v vs