For Students · Doppler Effect
Doppler Effect for a see-saw balance
Built for students learning it for a class or exam. See the concept move instead of memorizing formulas — and check your homework intuition. Simulate a see-saw balance live below — adjust the inputs and watch it respond, right in your browser.
Doppler EffectLive
moving source · wavefront compression
Controls
A moving source squeezes its wavefronts ahead and stretches them behind — higher pitch approaching, lower pitch receding. Push past the wave speed for a sonic boom.
Presets
Data Inspector
Mach number0.68
Regimesubsonic
Source freq440 Hz
Approaching f'1383 Hz
Receding f'262 Hz
Governing equation
Reading this result: Approaching, the 440 Hz source is heard higher — about 1383 Hz; receding, it drops to about 262 Hz. The faster the source (Mach 0.68), the wider that split.
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Frequently asked questions
- Is this good for students?
- Yes — this version of "Doppler Effect for a see-saw balance" is framed for students learning it for a class or exam. See the concept move instead of memorizing formulas — and check your homework intuition.
- Do I need to install anything?
- No. It runs in any modern browser, free, with no account required.