What is the Doppler effect?

The Doppler effect refers specifically to the change in frequency of a wave, such as sound, as observed by an observer moving relative to the source of the wave. When the source of the sound wave moves towards the observer, the frequency increases, resulting in a higher pitch. Conversely, when the source moves away from the observer, the frequency decreases, leading to a lower pitch. This phenomenon occurs due to the compression of the sound waves in the direction of motion and the elongation in the opposite direction.

Understanding the Doppler effect is crucial in various applications, including medical imaging and diagnostics, where it is used to assess blood flow and determine the direction and velocity of moving tissues or fluids within the body. The proper interpretation of the Doppler effect enables sonographers to provide accurate and insightful information regarding a patient's vascular health.