• Undulatory
• /
• Acoustic
• /
• Doppler effect

When an ambulance approaches an observer, the sound of the siren perceived during the approach is more acute (greater frequency) than the sound perceived when the ambulance moves away, which is a more bass sound (decrease in frequency). In these situations, the apparent frequency $$f'$$, which is perceived by the observer, does not coincide with the frequency $$f$$ of the source. This phenomenon is known as Doppler effect .

### Relationship Between $$f'$$ and $$f$$

The frequency $$f$$, emitted by a source that moves with velocity $$v_{source}$$, will be perceived by an observer moving with velocity $$v_{obs}$$, according to the following ratio: $$f' = f \frac{v_{sound} \pm v_{obs}}{v_{sound} \pm v_{source}},$$ where the signs (+) or (-) to $$v_{obs}$$ and $$v_{source}$$ should be chosen as follows.

$$v_{obs}$$ :
(+) $$\rightarrow$$ Moving towards the source
(-) $$\rightarrow$$ Moving in the opposite direction of the source
$$v_{source}$$ :
(-) $$\rightarrow$$ Moving towards the observer
(+) $$\rightarrow$$ Moving in the opposite direction of the observer

Note that the signal selection logic is reversed!

# STUDY PHYSICS ANYTIME ANYWHERE

Dynamic Exams
Differentiated Content
Top approval rate