Doppler Effect
Definition
The Doppler Effect is the change in frequency or wavelength of a wave as observed by an observer moving relative to the source of the wave. It occurs when there is relative motion between the source and the observer.
Analogy
Imagine you are standing on a sidewalk while cars pass by. As a car approaches you, its engine sounds higher-pitched, but as it moves away from you, its engine sounds lower-pitched. This change in pitch is similar to how the Doppler Effect works with sound waves.
Related terms
Frequency: The number of complete cycles of a wave that occur in one second.
Wavelength: The distance between two consecutive points on a wave.
Redshift/Blueshift: Redshift refers to an increase in wavelength (and decrease in frequency) due to an object moving away, while blueshift refers to a decrease in wavelength (and increase in frequency) due to an object moving closer.
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