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Doppler effect and wavefronts

Doppler effect and wavefronts

Doppler wavefront diagram for a source moving to the right, with shorter wavelength and higher frequency ahead, and longer wavelength and lower frequency behind

The Doppler effect is the change in observed wavelength and frequency when a source and observer move relative to each other. If the source moves towards you, the wavefronts arrive closer together; if it moves away, they arrive more spread out.

Doppler effect, redshift and Hubble's law Lesson

  1. A Level
  2. /Physics
  3. /Doppler effect, redshift and Hubble's law

Step-by-step lessons covering Edexcel A Level Physics Doppler effect, redshift and Hubble's law for A Level Physics. Each lesson works through exam-style questions in Paper 1, Paper 2 and Paper 3 format. Physics is one of the most mathematically demanding A Levels -- at least 40% of the marks across the three papers require maths skills at Level 2 (GCSE) standard or above, so build calculation and graph-handling fluency alongside the conceptual content from the start.

Lessons