Embedded Files
Understanding the cosine function is critical for an understanding of Doppler.
The percentage of the maximum Doppler shift we receive at a given angle is determined by the cosine of the angle. In fact, it IS the cosine of the angle.
To help you with your understanding, please watch the short video I made below:
Note: occasionally, the registry has asked questions about the cosine of the Doppler angle of 180 degrees. For example, at which of the following angles will the Doppler shift be the maximum?
A. 30 degrees
B. 60 degrees
C. 90 degrees
D. 180 degrees
The answer is 180 degrees. As you will note from the unit circle, the cosine of 180 degrees is -1. This means that at both 0 degrees and at 180 degrees, the Doppler shift will be at its maximum. At 0 degrees, the shift will be positive, and at 180 degrees, the shift will be negative.
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse