Concert A (440 Hz) Source Passing at 20 m/s
A source playing A4 (440 Hz) at 20 m/s shifts from about 467 Hz approaching to 416 Hz receding.
How to use this tool
- Enter source frequency fā, source velocity vā, observer velocity vā and wave speed v in the fields above.
- Results update instantly as you type ā or click Calculate.
- Read your observed frequency and the full breakdown beneath it.
This preset models the classic Doppler demonstration with a musical pitch ā useful for physics classes studying wave phenomena.
Frequently asked questions
- What is the speed of sound used here?
- 343 m/s at 20 °C in air at sea level. It varies with temperature: roughly v ā 331 + 0.6ĆT(°C) m/s.
- Does the Doppler effect apply to light too?
- Yes, but the relativistic formula must be used. The astronomical redshift of distant galaxies is a Doppler-related phenomenon.