Doppler Effect

Definition

The Doppler Effect refers to the change in frequency and wavelength of a wave when either the source of the wave or the observer is in motion relative to each other. This causes a shift in pitch or frequency perception for sound waves.

Related terms

Frequency:

The number of complete cycles or oscillations per second that a wave completes. It determines the pitch of a sound.

Wavelength:

The distance between two corresponding points on a wave (crest to crest or trough to trough). It affects both pitch and timbre of a sound.

Pitch:

How high or low we perceive a sound to be based on its frequency.