Which of the following is an example of the Doppler effect?

Sending a light wave through a narrow slit and it diffracting into many directions.

Approaching a stationary sound source and the volume increases.

Increasing the intensity of a sound wave and hearing it get louder.

Hearing the pitch of an ice cream truck's music get lower as it moves away.

1 answer

The correct examples of the Doppler effect from the options provided are:

  1. Approaching a stationary sound source and the volume increases.
  2. Hearing the pitch of an ice cream truck's music get lower as it moves away.

The Doppler effect refers to the change in frequency or wavelength of a wave in relation to an observer who is moving relative to the wave source. When you approach a stationary sound source, the sound waves are compressed, leading to an increase in frequency and volume. Conversely, as a source of sound moves away from you, the sound waves are stretched, leading to a decrease in frequency and pitch.

The first option about light wave diffraction is related to wave behavior, not the Doppler effect. The third option about increasing the intensity of a sound wave refers to the loudness rather than a change in frequency or pitch, which is not characteristic of the Doppler effect.