IB Physics SL C 5 2 Doppler Wavefront Diagrams Questions

Read Doppler wavefront diagrams to relate source motion, wavelength spacing and the observed frequency before and after closest approach.

Exam points

identify how a moving sound source displaces successive circular wavefront centres and changes spacing in front of and behind the source
explain why closer wavefronts produce higher observed frequency and wider wavefronts produce lower observed frequency when wave speed is unchanged
use wavefront diagrams and f equals v divided by lambda to predict observed frequency changes as a source approaches or recedes

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Study C.5.2—Doppler wavefront diagrams conceptsOpen the corresponding Concept lesson for explanations, examples and exam connections.

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This question is about the Doppler effect.

The diagram shows wavefronts in air produced by a stationary source S of sound.
The distance between successive wavefronts is equal to the wavelength of the sound.
The speed of sound is c.

Figure for Question IB Physics SL C 5 2 Doppler Wavefront Diagrams Questions question 1 — IB Physics SL

On the diagram, sketch three successive waveforts produced when S is moving to the left at a speed of 0.5 c.

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IB Physics SL C 5 2 Doppler Wavefront Diagrams Questions question 1