Doppler Effect
The Doppler Effect refers to the change in frequency or pitch of a wave in relation to an observer moving relative to the wave source. In ultrasound, when the sound waves are emitted from a moving source, like a heartbeat, and the waves hit moving tissues (like blood), the frequency of the sound waves changes. If the source and observer are moving closer, the waves compress, increasing the frequency; if they're moving apart, the waves stretch, lowering the frequency. This shift helps medical professionals visualize movements, such as blood flow, allowing for better diagnoses.
Additional Insights
-
The Doppler effect is the change in frequency or wavelength of a wave as the source and observer move relative to each other. For example, when an ambulance with a siren approaches, the sound waves are compressed, making the siren sound higher in pitch. As it passes and moves away, the waves are stretched, resulting in a lower pitch. This phenomenon occurs with all types of waves, including sound and light, and is commonly observed in everyday life, such as with passing vehicles, and has important applications in astronomy and radar technology.