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Derivation of Doppler Effect Frequency Equations

by Ron Kurtus

Take this Mini-Quiz to check your understanding of the lesson material.

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1. What is the general Doppler Effect frequency equation?

f_O = f_S(c − v_O)(c − v_S)

λ_O = λ_S(c + v_S)/(c − v_O)

f_O = f_S(c − v_O)/(c − v_S)

2. How is the frequency equation determined when the source is moving toward a stationary observer?

You set v_S = 0

You set v_O = 0

You set f_O = 0

3. What is the change in frequency when the observer moves toward a stationary source?

Δf = v_Of_S/c

Δf = −f_S v_S/(c − v_S)

Δf = −v_Of_S/c

If you got all three correct, you are on your way to becoming a Champion in Physics. If you had problems, you had better look over the material again.

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Apply the rules

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Physics topics

Mini-Quiz: Derivation of Doppler Effect Frequency Equations

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Wave Motion topics

• Overview of Wave Motion

Basics

• Units of Frequencies and Wavelengths
• Waves and Obstacles
• Waveform Noise
• Pulse Waves

Doppler Effect

• Doppler Effect for Waveforms
• Conventions for Doppler Effect Equations
• Summary of Doppler Effect Equations
• Derivation of Wavelength Equations
• Derivation of Frequency Equations
• Derivation of Velocity Equations

Sound waves

• Overview of Sound Waves

Electromagnetic waves

• Overview of Electromagnetic Waves

Also see

• Physics Survey Results
• Physical Science
• Astronomy
• Chemistry
• Algebra

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