Doppler Effect - Definition, Formula, Examples, Uses, FAQs

2/26/24, 7:42 AM Doppler Effect - Definition, Formula, Examples, Uses, FAQs
Physics (/physics/) > Sound Waves (/physics/sound-waves/) > Doppler Effect (/physics/doppler-effect/)
(https://ad-tech.byjusweb.com/revive/www/delivery/cl.php?
bannerid=339&zoneid=8&OXLCA=1&sig=ed74fef3d026cbf71052666c3cc45569cf57e1e86919ede10503cf1e30529ba4&dest=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.byjusev
topbanner_physics%26utm_campaign%3Dmarathonclasses)
Doppler Effect
Doppler effect or Doppler shift is a phenomenon that is observed whenever the source of waves is moving with respect to an observer. For
example, an ambulance crossing you with its siren blaring is a common physical demonstration of the Doppler Effect. In this article, let us
understand the intricacies of the Doppler effect in detail.
Table of Contents
Doppler Effect Explained
Doppler Effect Examples
Doppler Effect Formula

Source Moving Towards the Observer at Rest
Source Moving Away from the Observer at Rest
Observer Moving Towards a Stationary Source
Observer Moving Away from a Stationary Source
Doppler Effect Solved Problems
Uses of Doppler Effect
Doppler Effect Limitations
Doppler Effect In Light

Red Shift and Blue Shift
Frequently Asked Questions – FAQs
Doppler Effect Explained

Doppler effect is an important phenomenon in various scientific disciplines, including planetary science. The Doppler effect or the Doppler shift
describes the changes in the frequency of any sound or light wave produced by a moving source with respect to an observer.
Hi there! Got any questions?

I can help you...
(https://btla-androidk12.onelink.me/8UMP/u4ndbl63)
Play
&
Win
https://byjus.com/physics/doppler-effect/ 1/18
Doppler
Class effect in physics
10 Board is defined
Exam LAST (https://ad-
MIN as the increase (or decrease) in the frequency of sound, light, or other waves as the source and observer
Revision
move program
towards (or away from) each other.
Register Now
Waves emitted by a source travelling towards an observer get compressed. In contrast, waves emitted by a source travelling away from an
tech.byjusweb.com/revive/www/delivery/cl.php?
observer get stretched out. Christian Johann Doppler first proposed the Doppler Effect (Doppler Shift) in 1842.
bannerid=345&zoneid=54&sig=15f745b7cc207384d69b34c8ecae7a9d6bf04e63a29e3b6df247d3ee147959cd&dest=https%3A
exams-booster-pack-grade-10%3Futm_source%3Dbyjus.com%26utm_medium%3Dbooster-delayed-
Doppler Effect Examples
toast_physics%26utm_term%3DADTECH_REFERRER%26utm_campaign%3Dboard-exam-revision)
Let us imagine the following scenario:
Case 1: Two people A and B, are standing on the road, as shown below in the picture.
Which person hears the sound of the revving engine with a greater magnitude?
Person A hears the sound of the revving engine with a greater magnitude than person B. Person B, standing behind the car, receives fewer waves
per second (because they’re spread out), resulting in a low-pitched sound. But, person A who is in front of the car, receives more of those
soundwave ripples per second. As a result, the frequency of the waves is higher, which means the sound has a higher pitch.
Case 2: Now let us consider the following situations:
Situation 1: How is the pattern of waves formed when you suddenly jump into a pond?
Situation 2: How is the pattern of waves formed when you are walking in a pond?
The image given below highlights the difference between wave patterns in both situations.
The difference in the wave pattern is due to the source’s movement in the second case. This is what the Doppler effect is. In the Doppler effect, the
frequency received by the observer is higher during the approach, identical when the relative positions are the same, and keeps lowering on the
recession of the source.
I can help you...
In this video let’s see how relative motion between the source and the observer changes the frequency of sound waves giving
rise to the Doppler Effect.
Play
&
Win
Class 10 Board Exam LAST MIN (https://ad-

Revision program
2,86,844
Related Reading:
Characteristics of Sound Waves (https://byjus.com/physics/sound-waves/)
Transverse Waves And Longitudinal Waves (https://byjus.com/physics/mechanical-waves-transverse-waves-and-longitudinal-waves/)
Doppler Effect Formula

Doppler effect is the apparent change in the frequency of waves due to the relative motion between the source of the sound and the observer. We
can deduce the apparent frequency in the Doppler effect using the following equation:
While there is only one Doppler effect equation, the above equation changes in different situations depending on the velocities of the observer or
the source of the sound. Let us see below how we can use the equation of the Doppler effect in different situations.

I can help you...
Play
&
Win
(a) Source Moving Towards the Observer at Rest
In this Revision
case, theprogram
observer’s velocity is zero, so V0 is equal to zero. Substituting this into the Doppler effect equation above, we get the equation of the
Doppler effect when a source is moving towards an observer at rest as:
(b) Source Moving Away from the Observer at Rest

Since the velocity of the observer is zero, we can eliminate V0 from the equation. But this time, the source moves away from the observer, so its
velocity is negative to indicate the direction. Hence, the equation now becomes as follows:
(c) Observer Moving Towards a Stationary Source

In this case, vs will equal to zero, hence we get the following equation:
(d)Observer Moving Away from a Stationary Source

Since the observer is moving away, the velocity of the observer becomes negative. So, instead of adding V0, we now subtract, since V0 is negative.

I can help you...
Play
&
Win
Doppler Effect Solved Problems

Revision program
Two trains A and B are moving toward each other at a speed of 432 km/h. If the frequency of the whistle emitted by A is 800 Hz, then what is the
apparent frequency of the whistle heard by the passenger sitting in train B. (The velocity of sound in air is 360 m/s).
Solution:
The source and the observer are moving toward each other, hence.
v+vo
f = f ( 0)
v−vs
Converting 432 km/h into m/s we get 120 m/s.
Substituting the values in the equation, we get

360+120
f = 800( ) = 1600 H z
360−120
Apparent frequency f = 1600 Hz
2. A bike rider approaching a vertical wall observes that the frequency of his bike horn changes from 440 Hz to 480 Hz when it gets reflected from
the wall. Find the speed of the bike if the speed of sound is 330 m/s.
Solution:
Let the bike approach the wall with speed u.
Then the apparent frequency received by the wall can be calculated as

v
f = f0( ) … (1)
v−u
For the reflected wave,

′ v+u
f = f( ) … (2)
v
Substituting (1) in (2), we get

′ v v+u
f = f0( ) × ( )
v−u v
Simplifying, we get
′ v+u
f = ( )f0
v−u
Substituting the values in the equation, we get

v+u
480 = ( )440
v−u
480 v+u
= ( )
440 v−u
4
u = × 330 = 14.3 m/s
92
The speed of the bike is 14.3 m/s
Let us see more solved examples in the video given below

I can help you...
Play
&
Win

Revision program
48,705
Uses of Doppler Effect

Many people mistake the Doppler effect to be applicable only for sound waves. It works with all types of waves including light. Below, we have listed
a few applications of the doppler effect:
Sirens
Radar
Astronomy
Medical Imaging
Blood Flow Measurement
Satellite Communication
Vibration Measurement
Developmental Biology
Audio
Velocity Profile Measurement
Doppler Effect Limitations

Doppler Effect is applicable only when the velocities of the source of the sound and the observer are much less than the velocity of sound.
The motion of both source and the observer should be along the same straight line.
Doppler Effect In Light

Doppler effect of light can be described as the apparent change in the frequency of the light observed by the observer due to relative motion
between the source of light and the observer.
For sound waves, however, the equations for the Doppler shift differ markedly depending on whether it is the source, the observer, or the air, which
is moving. Light requires no medium, and the Doppler shift for light travelling in a vacuum depends only on the relative speed of the observer and
source.

I can help you...
Play
&
Win
Red Shift and Blue Shift
Revision program
When the light source moves away from the observer, the frequency received by the observer will be less than the frequency transmitted by
the source. This causes a shift towards the red end of the visible light spectrum. Astronomers call it the redshift.
When the light source moves towards the observer, the frequency received by the observer will be greater than the frequency transmitted by
the source. This causes a shift towards the high-frequency end of the visible light (https://byjus.com/physics/visible-light/) spectrum.
Astronomers call it the blue shift.
The below video provides an in-depth analysis of Doppler Effect for JEE Advanced 2023
2,063
Frequently Asked Questions – FAQs
Q1 What is the Doppler Effect in Physics? Hi there! Got any questions?

I can help you...
Doppler Effect in physics refers to the change in wave frequency during the relative motion between a wave source and its observer.
Play
Q2& Who discovered the Doppler Effect?
Win
Christian Johann Doppler, an Austrian mathematician and physicist discovered the Doppler effect in 1842.
Q3 Can Doppler effect be observed in both longitudinal and transverse waves?
Yes, Doppler
Revision effects can be observed for both types of waves. Doppler effect in sound (longitudinal waves) and the Doppler effect in light
program
(transverse waves) are well-known phenomena.
Q4 How can the Doppler Effect be applied to everyday life?
A few daily life examples of the Doppler effect are: a) When you stand beside a police radar. b) The Doppler effect is used by meteorologists to
track storms. c) Doctors use the Doppler Effect in hospitals to diagnose heart problems. d) Traffic police make use of the doppler effect a radar
gun to check the speed of the oncoming vehicles.
Why is the Doppler Effect used in hospitals?
Q5 Why is the Doppler Effect used in hospitals?
Doppler effect in hospitals is used to monitor blood flow. Blood clots are also detected with the Doppler effect.
Q6 How does the Doppler Effect prove that the universe is expanding?
The Doppler effect is evidence that the universe is expanding. Edwin Hubble used the Doppler effect to prove that the universe is expanding.
Hubble noticed that the light from distant galaxies was shifted toward lower frequencies to the red end of the spectrum. When stars or
galaxies are moving away from us, we see their colour as red-shifted.
Stay tuned to BYJU’S and Fall in Love with Learning!
Test your knowledge on Doppler effect
Put your understanding of this concept to test by answering a few MCQs. Click ‘Start Quiz’ to begin!
Select the correct answer and click on the “Finish” button

Check your score and answers at the end of the quiz
Start Quiz
PHYSICS Related Links
Chemical Equilibrium Class 11 Notes (https://byjus.com/physics/equilibrium/) Laws Of Physics List
Working Of Transistor As A
What Is Semiconductor Diode (https://byjus.com/physics/semiconductor-diode/)
Switch
Thermal Properties Of (https://byjus.com/physics/thermal-properties-of- Difference Between Distance An

Materials materials/) Displacement Class 9
Unit Converter Civil (https://byjus.com/physics/unit-conversion/) Conductor And Insulator

What Is (https://byjus.com/physics/what-is-bandwidth-of-a-signal-how-is- I can help you...
Solenoid Definition
Bandwith bandwidth-measured/)
Play
&
Win
()
Revision program
Comments
Leave a Comment
Your Mobile number and Email id will not be published. Required fields are marked *
toast_physics%26utm_term%3DADTECH_REFERRER%26utm_campaign%3Dboard-exam-revision) *
Mobile Number Send OTP
Type your message or doubt here...
Post My Comment

I can help you...
Play
&
Win

Revision program
bannerid=340&zoneid=38&sig=22bec72734d188a784972c10a052d91ed866b65acad3e207ddc32da38a979ba9&dest=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.byjuseven
sidebanner_physics%26utm_campaign%3Dmarathonclasses)

I can help you...
Play
&
Win

Revision program
bannerid=143&zoneid=338&sig=a48bbb6c849c4a20c2128faf140eeeb08097f85ee72a7ad60410b1bc5ef69ab9&dest=https%3A%2F%2Fbit.ly%2F3OFPufx

I can help you...
Play
&
Win

Revision program
bannerid=142&zoneid=339&sig=511d16fa4c0ecd3cdffbd6f6573cb5922ea2ec0bc942cb4002d6992bd1eacae4&dest=https%3A%2F%2Fbyjus.com%2Fbs
class--sidebanner%26utm_campaign%3Dbst)

I can help you...
Play
&
Win

Revision program
bannerid=136&zoneid=340&sig=e9b12063e283235bad0c49dd96712df885e6b914ffbf27050adbcb145ba40285&dest=https%3A%2F%2Fbyjus.com%2Flea
Askdoubtweb%2526mx_Page_Category%253Dtn-
board%2526SourceIPAddress%253D%2526SourceReferrerURL%253D%2526mx_ad_Id%253Dundefined%2526mx_adset_id%253Dundefined%2526mx_p
Askdoubtweb%2526Website_URL%253DADTECH_C_URL_ENCODED%2526Platform%253DADTECH_PLATFORM%2526Lead_Magnet_Type%253Dask-
a-
doubt%2526Device_Details%253DADTECH_ENCODED_DEVICE_DETAILS%2526client_id%253D1f267a0cb39bfe566e0218659508cb1949be4bdea023351a9
Important Physics Topics
Thermodynamics

I can help you...
Laws Of Physics
Play
&
Win
Carnot Engine

Revision program
Concave And Convex Mirrors
Centripetal And Centrifugal Force
Physics Symbols
Poissons Ratio
Frictional Force
Projectile Motion
Electric Current
Electromagnetism
Rotation And Revolution
Uniform And Non-Uniform Motion
SI Units List
Derivation Of Physics Formulas
Ohm's Law
Archimedes’ Principle
Kirchhoff's Law
Newton's Laws Of Motion
Laws Of Reflection
CBSE Sample Papers
CBSE Sample Papers Class 8 Science

I can help you...

Play
&
Win
CBSE Sample Papers Class 11 Physics

Revision program
CBSE Sample Papers Class 11 Chemistry
CBSE Sample Papers Class 11 Biology
CBSE Sample Papers Class 12 Physics
CBSE Sample Papers Class 12 Chemistry
CBSE Sample Papers Class 12 Biology
CBSE Previous Year Question Papers
CBSE Previous Year Question Papers Class 10 Science
CBSE Previous Year Question Papers Class 12 Physics
CBSE Previous Year Question Papers Class 12 Chemistry
CBSE Previous Year Question Papers Class 12 Biology
ICSE Sample Papers
ICSE Sample Papers Class 8 Physics
ICSE Sample Papers Class 8 Chemistry
ICSE Sample Papers Class 8 Biology
ICSE Sample Papers Class 9 Biology

ICSE Sample Papers Class 10 Biology I can help you...
Play
& ISC Sample Papers Class 11 Physics
Win
ISC Sample
Class Papers
10 Board Class
Exam 11 Chemistry
LAST MIN (https://ad-
Revision program
ISC Sample Papers Class 11 Biology

ISC Sample Papers Class 12 Physics
ISC Sample Papers Class 12 Chemistry
ISC Sample Papers Class 12 Biology
ICSE Previous Year Question Papers
ICSE Previous Year Question Papers Class 10 Physics
ICSE Previous Year Question Papers Class 10 Chemistry
ICSE Previous Year Question Papers Class 10 Maths
ISC Previous Year Question Papers class 12
ISC Previous Year Question Papers Class 12 Physics
ISC Previous Year Question Papers Class 12 Chemistry
ISC Previous Year Question Papers Class 12 Biology
BYJU'S Tuition Centre for Class 4 to 10
Class 10 Tuition Centre

I can help you...
Play
&
Win
Class 10 Board Exam LAST MIN

(https://ad-
Revision program
Join BYJU'S Learning Program
Name
Mobile Number
City
Grade/Exam
Email Address
Submit
COURSES EXAMS
CBSE (/cbse/) CAT Exam (/cat/exam-info/)
ICSE (/icse/) CAT 2023 (/cat/cat-2023/)
CAT (/cat/) GATE Exam (/gate/gate-exam/)
IAS (/ias/) GATE 2024 (/gate/gate-2024/)
JEE (/jee/) IAS Exam (/ias-exam/)
NEET (/neet/) UPSC Exam (/free-ias-prep/upsc-exam/)
Commerce (/commerce/) UPSC Syllabus (/ias/upsc-syllabus/)
JEE Main (/jee/jee-main/) UPSC 2023 (/free-ias-prep/upsc-2023/)
NCERT (/ncert/) Bank Exam (/bank-exam/)
JEE Advanced (/jee-advanced/) Government Exams (/govt-exams/)
UPSC Prelims 2022 Question Paper (/free-ias-prep/upsc-prelims-2022-question-papers-pdf/) Education News (/news/)
UPSC Prelims 2022 Answer Key (/free-ias-prep/upsc-prelims-answer-key-2022/)

CLASSES
IAS Coaching (/ias-coaching/)
CBSE Sample Papers (/cbse/cbse-sample-papers/) Kids Learning (/kids-learning/)
CBSE Question Papers (/cbse-study-material/cbse-previous-year-question-paper/) Class 1st - 3rd (/disney-byjus-early-learn/)
Class 4th - 5th (/class-4-5/)
BYJU'S Tuition Centre (/btc/)
EXAM PREPARATION COMPANY
Free CAT Prep (/free-cat-prep/) About Us (/about-us/)
Free IAS Prep (/free-ias-prep/) Contact Us (/contact-us/)
Maths (/maths/) Contact our Financial Partners (https://byjus.com/our-financial-

partners/)
Physics (/physics/)
Investors (/our-investors/)
Chemistry (/chemistry/)
Careers (/careers-at-byjus/)
Biology (/biology/)
BYJU'S in Media (/press/)
JEE 2024 (/jee/jee-2024/)
Social Initiative - Education for All (/educationforall/)
JEE Advanced 2023 Question Paper with Answers (/jee/jee-advanced-2023-question-paper/)
BYJU'S APP (/byjus-the-learning-app/)
JEE Main Mock Test (/jee/jee-main-mock-test/)
FAQ (/faq/)
JEE Main 2023 Question Papers with Answers (/jee/jee-main-2023-question-papers/)
Students Stories - The Learning Tree
Hi(https://blog.byjus.com/the-
there! Got any questions?
JEE Main 2022 Question Papers with Answers (/jee/jee-main-2022-question-papers/) I can help you...
learning-tree/)
JEE Advanced 2022 Question Paper with Answers (/jee/jee-advanced-2022-question-paper/)
Support (/customer-care/)
NEET 2023 Question Paper (/neet/neet-2023-question-paper/)
Play
&
Faces of BYJU'S – Life at BYJU'S (https://blog.byjus.com/life-at-
NEET
Win 2023 Question Paper Analysis (/neet/neet-2023-question-paper-analysis/) byjus/)
NEET 2022 Answer Key (/neet/neet-2022-answer-key/) Blog (https://blog.byjus.com/)
RESOURCES BYJU'S Give (/give/)
CAT College Predictor
Revision program (/free-cat-prep/cat-college-predictor/)
Worksheets (/worksheets/)
BYJU'S Answer (/question-answer/)

DSSL (/about-dssl/)
Home Tuition (/home-tuition/)
All Products (https://shop.byjus.com)
Calculators (/calculators/)
Formulas (/formulas/)
FREE TEXTBOOK SOLUTIONS STATE BOARDS
(/textbook-solutions/) Maharashtra (/msbshse/)

NCERT Solutions (/ncert-solutions/)
Gujarat (/gseb/)
NCERT Exemplar (/ncert-exemplar/)
Tamil Nadu (/tn-board/)
NCERT Solutions for Class 6 (/ncert-solutions-class-6/)
Karnataka (/kseeb/)
Kerala (/kbpe/)
Andhra Pradesh (/ap-board/)
Telangana (/telangana-board/)
Uttar Pradesh (/upmsp/)
Bihar (/bihar-board/)
NCERT Solutions for Class 11 English (/ncert-solutions-class-11-english/)
Rajasthan (/rajasthan-board/)
NCERT Solutions for Class 12 English (/ncert-solutions-class-12-english/)
Madhya Pradesh (/mp-board/)
West Bengal (/west-bengal-board/)
RD Sharma Solutions (/rd-sharma-solutions/)
RD Sharma Class 10 Solutions (/rd-sharma-class-10-solutions/)
ICSE Selina Solutions (/icse/selina-solutions/)
FOLLOW US
(https://www.facebook.com/byjuslearningapp/) (https://in.linkedin.com/company/byjus)
(https://www.kidsafeseal.com/certifiedproducts/byjus_india.html)
Disclaimer (/disclaimer/) Privacy Policy (/tnc_app/#privacydesc) Terms of Services (/tnc_app/#tncdesc) Sitemap (/sitemap.xml)
© 2024, BYJU'S. All rights reserved.

I can help you...
Play
&
Win

Doppler Effect - Definition, Formula, Examples, Uses, FAQs

Uploaded by

Document Information

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Doppler Effect - Definition, Formula, Examples, Uses, FAQs

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

2/26/24, 7:42 AM Doppler Effect - Definition, Formula, Examples, Uses, FAQs

Doppler Effect Explained

Doppler Effect Examples

Doppler Effect Formula

Source Moving Away from the Observer at Rest

Observer Moving Towards a Stationary Source

Observer Moving Away from a Stationary Source

Doppler Effect Solved Problems

Uses of Doppler Effect

Doppler Effect Limitations

Doppler Effect In Light

Frequently Asked Questions – FAQs

Doppler Effect Explained

Hi there! Got any questions?

Case 2: Now let us consider the following situations:

Class 10 Board Exam LAST MIN (https://ad-

Characteristics of Sound Waves (https://byjus.com/physics/sound-waves/)

Transverse Waves And Longitudinal Waves (https://byjus.com/physics/mechanical-waves-transverse-waves-and-longitudinal-waves/)

Doppler Effect Formula

Hi there! Got any questions?

(b) Source Moving Away from the Observer at Rest

(c) Observer Moving Towards a Stationary Source

(d)Observer Moving Away from a Stationary Source

Hi there! Got any questions?

Doppler Effect Solved Problems

Converting 432 km/h into m/s we get 120 m/s.

Substituting the values in the equation, we get

Apparent frequency f = 1600 Hz

Let the bike approach the wall with speed u.

Then the apparent frequency received by the wall can be calculated as

For the reflected wave,

Substituting (1) in (2), we get

Substituting the values in the equation, we get

The speed of the bike is 14.3 m/s

Let us see more solved examples in the video given below

Hi there! Got any questions?

Class 10 Board Exam LAST MIN (https://ad-

Uses of Doppler Effect

Blood Flow Measurement

Velocity Profile Measurement

Doppler Effect Limitations

Doppler Effect In Light

Hi there! Got any questions?

Frequently Asked Questions – FAQs

Q1 What is the Doppler Effect in Physics? Hi there! Got any questions?

(transverse waves) are well-known phenomena.

Q5 Why is the Doppler Effect used in hospitals?

Stay tuned to BYJU’S and Fall in Love with Learning!

Test your knowledge on Doppler effect

Select the correct answer and click on the “Finish” button

PHYSICS Related Links

Chemical Equilibrium Class 11 Notes (https://byjus.com/physics/equilibrium/) Laws Of Physics List

Thermal Properties Of (https://byjus.com/physics/thermal-properties-of- Difference Between Distance An

Unit Converter Civil (https://byjus.com/physics/unit-conversion/) Conductor And Insulator

Hi there! Got any questions?

Mobile Number Send OTP

Type your message or doubt here...

Hi there! Got any questions?

Class 10 Board Exam LAST MIN (https://ad-

Hi there! Got any questions?

Class 10 Board Exam LAST MIN (https://ad-

Hi there! Got any questions?

Class 10 Board Exam LAST MIN (https://ad-

Hi there! Got any questions?