Doppler Effect Lecture Review

Vocabulary flashcards covering key concepts from the lecture on the Doppler Effect, including definitions of terms like redshift, blueshift, radial motion, and how the effect is observed in waves and by astronomers.

Doppler effect

A shifting of observed wavelengths due to a relative motion between the observer and the source.

Radial motion

Motion towards or away, based on the perspective of the observer.

Transverse motion

Motion across your line-of-sight, based on the perspective of the observer.

Redshift

A shift of wavelength towards longer wavelengths (characterized by the red end of the visible spectrum) when an object is moving away from the observer.

Blueshift

A shift of wavelength towards shorter wavelengths (characterized by the blue end of the visible spectrum) when an object is moving towards the observer.

Stationary Object Light Emission

When a stationary object emits light, an observer will measure the same wavelength of light regardless of their position.

Moving Object Wavelength Observation

When an object is moving, an observer on the approaching side measures a shorter wavelength, while an observer on the receding side measures a longer wavelength.

Doppler Effect Applicability

The Doppler effect is a property detected with all waves, including light and sound, affecting observed wavelengths or frequencies.

Radial Velocity Measurement

The Doppler shift can be used to measure an object's radial velocity (motion towards or away from us), with a greater shift indicating faster radial motion.

Astronomical Doppler Shift Detection

Astronomers detect Doppler shifts by observing the spectrum of light from celestial objects; all characteristic spectral lines shift, but their pattern remains consistent, revealing composition and radial speed.

Doppler Effect on Object Appearance

The Doppler effect typically does not cause a noticeable change in the perceived color of an object because the shifting of wavelengths is usually too small to be observed.