Theme C: Wave behaviour

IB Physics C.5 Doppler effect: practice questions and video explanations

The change in observed frequency and wavelength when a source or observer moves, for sound and for light, including the redshift of galaxies.

SL and HL (with HL extension)

What you need to know for C.5 Doppler effect

  • Explain the Doppler effect with wavefront diagrams
  • Use the Doppler shift of light to find the speed of stars and galaxies
  • Describe applications of the Doppler effect

HL extension: HL adds the Doppler equations for sound with a moving source or a moving observer.

C.5 Doppler effect questions in the question bank

Exam-style questions
14
Multiple choice (Paper 1A style)
12
Structured (Paper 1B and 2 style)
2
Free to try
0

Every question has a mark scheme. Multiple-choice answers are marked instantly, and for structured questions you open the mark scheme part by part and award yourself the marks you earned. Most questions also have a step-by-step video explanation presented by an IB teacher or a former IB student.

Practising C.5 Doppler effect needs Premium. Topic A (Space, time and motion) and uncertainties are free with a free account.

Practise C.5 (SL)Practise C.5 (HL)

More from theme C: Wave behaviour

Full practice papers

When you have practised by topic, sit a full SL or HL mock exam with Paper 1A, Paper 1B and Paper 2, or see every IB Physics topic.