Doppler effect experiment

We present the experiment of the Doppler effect, is cataloged within home experiments, since it is very easy to make and the materials are easy to find.

Did you ever get on the side of a road, while a car passed by with its horn ringing? If so, you have probably noticed that the tone of the sound is greater when the car was approaching than after it passed through it. This is known as the Doppler effect.

Necessary materials:

• Tape recorder.

• Someone with a car.

Try this:

1. Find a long, straight street, where there are no houses or other cars. Find a place where you can sit or stand on the side of the road with the recorder.

2. The car will go three times to 20, 30 and 40 miles. Each time the driver blows the horn for a few seconds when the car passes.

Your job is to start and stop the recorder at the right time to record the sounds.

¿What's going on?

The Doppler effect occurs for all types of waves. This occurs when either the source of the waves or the receiver of the waves is in motion. The picture shows that the sound waves are compressed as the car moves towards you, creating a high-pitched sound. As the car moves away, the sound waves spread out and a low sound is heard. The speed of sound is only 769 mph, so a car driving at 50 mph would make a big difference.

Doppler effect experiment questions:

¿Where can we see in reality the use of the Doppler effect?

Hint: think about the possible use for submarines, bats, police, doctors in pregnant women.