Edexcel IGCSE Physics 3.8 Doppler effect
Practise explaining Doppler shifts from moving sources, using wavefront spacing, wavelength, constant wave speed and observed frequency.
- Syllabus
- First assessment 2019
- Course
- Physics 4PH1
Exam points
- compare wavefront spacing in diagrams to decide which observer detects the higher frequency
- explain red-shift or lower pitch when a source moves away, linking larger λ to lower f
- apply the Doppler effect to radar, buzzers or water waves with relative motion stated clearly
3.8 Doppler effect question 1
This question is about sound waves.
A buzzer is an electrical device that produces sound.
The frequency of sound produced by the buzzer is 1400 Hz .
Two students use this method to investigate sound from a moving source.
Student A connects a piece of string to the buzzer.
She spins round so that the buzzer moves in a horizontal circular path.
- she spins round at a slow speed
- she then spins round at a high speed
Student B stands several metres away from student A.
The sound heard by student A is different to the sound heard by student B.
Discuss the differences in the sounds heard by student A and student B.
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