PASCO WA-9826 Doppler Rocket - Manual (Page 5)

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Model No. WA-9826 Doppler Rocket
5
2. Turn on the sound from the Doppler Rocket. (Use the switch on the
side of the rocket to turn on the sound.)
3. Lower the Doppler Rocket until it is about 1 meter below your
hand.
4. Swing the Doppler Rocket around in a circle over your head
(See Figure 1). A period of about one second will allow students to
hear the Doppler shift.
b) Flying the Doppler Rocket Horizontally
Another interesting demonstration of the
Doppler shift involves “flying” the Doppler
Rocket horizontally. Again, the students
will hear an increased pitch as the rocket
approaches and a decreased pitch as the
rocket moves away from them. One main
advantage of this demonstration is that the
the amount of time the Doppler Rocket
approaches and recedes is much greater.
This allows students a better opportunity to
hear the Doppler shift.
1. Pass two equal lengths of rope
through the center of the rocket.
2. Thread each free end of rope through
a handle cushion and tie each end through a rope handle. Again, be
certain to use a reliable knot, as the Doppler Rocket will be moving
at high velocities.
3. Position a student at each end of the rope, with each student holding
two handles.
4. Move the students apart until the rope is taut.
5. Slide the Doppler Rocket to one end of the rope.
6. Ask the student at the other end to rotate the ropes around one
another until they are not tangled.
7. Turn on the sound from the Doppler Rocket using the switch on the
side.
Figure 2: Flying the
Doppler Rocket Along a
Taut Rope