Created By : Naaz Fatima

Reviewed By : Phani Ponnapalli

Last Updated : May 10, 2023


To help you understand the concepts of the Doppler Effect better we have listed the Complete List of Doppler Effect Formulas. Learn and grasp the concepts involved for Doppler Effect by referring to the Formula Sheet including formulas for Doppler Effect in Light, Sound Wave. Focus on learning and memorizing the Cheat Sheet for Doppler Effect and apply them during your calculations to get faster results. Grab the opportunity to learn about all Physics Formulas easily from our page.

Formulas on Doppler Effect

1. Introduction

The apparent change in frequency or wavelength observed by the observer when there is a relative motion between the source and the observer is known as DopplerΓÇÖs effect.

It takes place both in sound and light. In sound it depends on, whether the source or observer or both are in motion while in light it depends on, whether the distance between source and observer is increasing or decreasing. It is valid for all types of waves due to the universal property of waves.

2. Limitations
vsource < vsound & vobserver < vsound

3. For sound wave
Doppler Effect formulas img 1

4. DopplerΓÇÖs effect in light

\(\frac{\Delta v}{v}=\frac{v}{c}\)
Δv → change in frequency
ν → frequency of source
v → relative velocity
Change in wave length
\(\frac{\Delta \lambda}{\lambda}=\frac{\mathrm{v}}{\mathrm{c}}\)
red shift → the distance between source and observer is increasing
blue shift → the distance between source and observer is decreasing

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