2D Doppler Shift / Relative Velocities

In summary, the conversation discusses adapting the doppler shift formula for a stationary listener and a moving source. The frequency factor changes in the 2D case, requiring the use of relative velocity instead of absolute velocity. The conversation also mentions the use of air intercept missiles and the role of doppler shift in their mission. A textbook resource is provided for further explanation.
  • #1
awelex
44
0
Hi,

I'm trying to adapt the doppler shift formula for a stationary listener and a source traveling in a straight line towards/away from the listener to the case where the source does not move straight towards the listener. For example, suppose that I am looking north and train further in the distance moves from west to east.

The frequency factor in the 1D case is [itex]\frac{v}{v - 333m/s}[/itex]. The only thing that changes in the 2D case is that we can't no longer use the absolute velocity v of the source, but have to use the relative velocity with respect to the listener. But this is where I'm stuck: How do I compute this relative velocity when the listener is stationary? Wouldn't that mean that v[itex]_{rel}[/itex] = v[itex]_{abs}[/itex] - 0 = v[itex]_{abs}[/itex]? That obviously can't be true.

Thanks,
Alex
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2

1. What is 2D Doppler Shift?

2D Doppler Shift is a phenomenon in which the frequency of a wave appears to change when the observer or source of the wave is in motion.

2. How does 2D Doppler Shift affect relative velocities?

2D Doppler Shift affects relative velocities by altering the perceived frequency of a wave based on the relative motion of the observer and the source of the wave. This can result in an increase or decrease in frequency, known as redshift and blueshift, respectively.

3. What are some real-life applications of 2D Doppler Shift?

2D Doppler Shift is used in various fields such as astronomy, meteorology, and medical imaging. It is used to study the movement of celestial bodies, track weather patterns, and measure blood flow in the human body.

4. How is 2D Doppler Shift different from 1D Doppler Shift?

2D Doppler Shift takes into account the motion of the observer and the source in two dimensions, while 1D Doppler Shift only considers motion in one dimension. This means that 2D Doppler Shift can account for motion in multiple directions, while 1D Doppler Shift only considers motion along a single axis.

5. What is the formula for calculating 2D Doppler Shift?

The formula for calculating 2D Doppler Shift is: observed frequency = emitted frequency x (speed of sound + relative velocity) / (speed of sound - observer's velocity). This formula takes into account the motion of both the observer and the source in two dimensions.

Similar threads

  • Classical Physics
Replies
16
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
14
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
6
Views
607
  • Classical Physics
Replies
4
Views
2K
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • Classical Physics
2
Replies
64
Views
5K
  • Special and General Relativity
Replies
17
Views
2K
Replies
3
Views
692
  • Classical Physics
Replies
19
Views
4K
Replies
10
Views
941
Back
Top