Skip Navigation
Search

Ripple Tank - Doppler Effect

Purpose

To show how wave fronts crowd together in front of and spread out behind a moving source.

Equipment

Ripple tank with accessories on cart.

Setup Time

5 min

Images

g4-03

Description

The single point source can be moved by rotating the support arm in the photograph. Moving the source uniformly in one direction demonstrates the Doppler effect in a clear and understandable way.

References

Apparatus Description and Instructions Guide: 2401 RippleTank, Raytheon, Macalaster Scientific Co., Nasua, NH, (1969).