Do Electrons Emit Lower Frequency Waves When Moving Very Fast?

In summary, the amount of doppler shift in a galaxy is determined by the speed of the atoms in the stars and the effect of relativity on them. This can also affect the emitted wavelengths of light, which is taken into account in the calculation of doppler shift. The Lorentz transformation is used to determine the rest-frame wavelength of the atoms.
  • #1
Infrasound
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I have always been taught, that we can tell how fast a galaxy is moving away from us by it's amount of doppler shift.

If the atoms in the stars of those galaxies are moving very fast (i.e. that galaxy is moving faster than our galaxy is moving), relativity would have a bigger effect on them.

Time would run slower for them (i.e. their electrons have to slow down).

Now,

Wouldn't THAT also effect the wavelengths of the emitted light? That is to say, the electrons jiggle slower than they normally would if they were not moving so fast, so they emit lower frequency waves.

Is THAT taken into account in the amount of doppler shift?

Is my thinking off?
 
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  • #2
Infrasound said:
If the atoms in the stars of those galaxies are moving very fast (i.e. that galaxy is moving faster than our galaxy is moving), relativity would have a bigger effect on them.

Galaxy is moving faster then our galaxy is moving, comparing to what?
 
  • #3
Hi Infrasound! :smile:

The rest-frame wavelength is determined by the difference in energy levels of the two electron states in the atom's rest-frame.

Once you have that rest-frame wavelength, you can forget about the atom completely, and just apply the Lorentz transformation to the wavelength

basically, that's a factor of eα = √(1 + v/c)/√(1 - v/c), where tanhα = v/c is the speed of the atom.

For v very much less than c, that's approximately 1 + v/c.
 

What is the Doppler Effect?

The Doppler Effect is the change in frequency or wavelength of a wave in relation to an observer who is moving relative to the wave source. This results in a perceived change in pitch or frequency of the wave.

How does the Doppler Effect affect sound waves?

The Doppler Effect causes a change in the perceived frequency of sound waves depending on the relative motion between the source of the sound and the observer. If the source and observer are moving towards each other, the frequency will increase, resulting in a higher pitch. If they are moving away from each other, the frequency will decrease, resulting in a lower pitch.

What is time dilation?

Time dilation is a phenomenon in which time appears to pass at different rates for observers in different frames of reference. This is due to the theory of relativity and the concept that the speed of light is constant for all observers.

How is time dilation related to the Doppler Effect?

Time dilation is related to the Doppler Effect because the change in perceived frequency of waves also affects the perceived time intervals between the waves. This is known as the time dilation effect and is a result of the relative motion between the wave source and the observer.

What are some real-life applications of the Doppler Effect and time dilation?

The Doppler Effect and time dilation have many practical applications, including in radar technology for tracking objects and in medical imaging techniques such as ultrasound. They are also used in astronomy to study the motion and properties of celestial objects. Additionally, the concepts are essential for understanding and developing technologies like GPS and satellite communications.

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