Final answer:
The change in observed frequency as an observer moves toward or away from a stationary source of sound is explained by the Doppler effect.
Step-by-step explanation:
The change in observed frequency as an observer moves toward or away from a stationary source of sound is explained by the Doppler effect. The Doppler effect is the change in frequency or pitch of a wave as the source of the wave moves relative to an observer.
When the observer is moving towards the source, the observed frequency is higher than the source frequency. This is because the wavefronts of the sound waves are compressed, resulting in a shorter wavelength and a higher frequency.
When the observer is moving away from the source, the observed frequency is lower than the source frequency. This is because the wavefronts of the sound waves are stretched, resulting in a longer wavelength and a lower frequency.