Why Does the Sound of an Airplane Change as It Flies Overhead?

Exploring what causes the change in sound of an airplane flying overhead

Why Does the Sound of an Airplane Change as It Flies Overhead?
Photo by National Cancer Institute / Unsplash

Have you ever looked up at the sky and wondered why the sound of an airplane seems to change as it flies overhead?

The answer lies in a fascinating acoustic phenomenon known as the Doppler effect.

Understanding the Doppler Effect

As an aircraft approaches, the sound it emits is compressed in the direction it is traveling, resulting in a higher frequency and thus a higher pitch.

Conversely, as it moves away, the sound waves spread out, causing a lower frequency and a perceived decrease in pitch.

This shift in pitch is what creates the familiar...

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