Beat Frequency and the Doppler Effect

These flashcards cover the key concepts of beat frequency and the Doppler effect, including definitions, principles, and practical applications.

The beat frequency is the difference between the two frequencies when two waves mix.

What is the basic principle of beat frequency?

How is beat frequency calculated?

Beat Frequency = |f1 – f2|.

Why does a piano tuner listen to the beat frequency?

A piano tuner uses the beat frequency to adjust the tuning of notes to get them exactly in tune.

What is the Doppler Effect?

The Doppler Effect is the change in frequency or wavelength of a wave in relation to an observer who is moving relative to the wave source.

What happens to sound waves when the source moves towards an observer?

The waves get closer together, resulting in a higher frequency and higher pitch.

What phenomenon occurs when an object moves faster than the speed of sound?

A sonic boom occurs when the object moves past the speed of sound, creating a 'wall of sound'.

What are some applications of the Doppler Effect?

Doppler Radar is used in weather radars and speed detectors; Doppler Astronomy analyzes star movements based on light spectrum shifts.

What does 'red shift' in stars indicate?

The 'red shift' indicates that stars are moving away from us, which contributed to the Big Bang Theory.