the Doppler Effect
The Doppler Effect is the scrunching and stretching of waves (light, sound, water - you name it) that occurs when an object is in motion.
See the animation on the left? The object is stationary, and so the waves are NOT distorted by any motion.
See the animation on the left? The object is stationary, and so the waves are NOT distorted by any motion.
Now, see how the waves get distorted when the object is moving? The waves in front get scrunched together, and the waves in back get stretched farther apart.
The 3 minute long video clip below is well worth your time to watch to see how this works.
The 3 minute long video clip below is well worth your time to watch to see how this works.
Want to play with a simulation so you can see the Doppler Effect in action? Try THIS link. :)
The Doppler Effect can be used to tell if an object is moving towards or away from us. Click on "Red Shifting" and "Blue Shifting" to see how this is done.
The Doppler Effect can be used to tell if an object is moving towards or away from us. Click on "Red Shifting" and "Blue Shifting" to see how this is done.