Doppler Effect Simulator
Moving source/observer, frequency shift, sonic boom
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Source Speed v_s (m/s)
100 m/s
Wave Speed v (m/s)
343 m/s
Source Frequency f₀ (Hz)
440 Hz
Observer Position
Right (approaching)
Left (receding)
Above (perpendicular)
Mach 0.29 — Subsonic
f ahead
—
f behind
—
λ ahead
—
λ behind
—
Observer freq f_obs
—
Key Formulae
f' = f₀(v ± v_o)/(v ∓ v_s)
λ_ahead = (v - v_s)/f₀
λ_behind = (v + v_s)/f₀
Mach = v_s / v
sin(θ) = v/v_s (shock cone)
As a source moves toward an observer, emitted wavefronts compress, raising the perceived pitch. Moving away stretches them, lowering pitch. When v_s ≥ v, wavefronts pile up forming a shock cone (sonic boom). Mach number = v_s/v.