Energy loss in the doppler effect?

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on the relationship between energy and frequency in electromagnetic (EM) waves as described by the Doppler effect. When a light-emitting body moves toward or away from an observer, the observed frequency changes, raising questions about whether the energy of the wave also changes. It highlights that energy is reference frame dependent, similar to how kinetic energy is perceived differently by observers in different frames of reference. The analogy of two cars moving towards each other illustrates this point, emphasizing that measurements of energy can vary based on the observer's position. Ultimately, the conversation explores the implications of energy conservation in the context of relative motion.
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If the energy of an EM wave = h x f
and when a light emitting body (of a particular power) is moving toward or away from the observer the observed frequency changes, does the energy change?
If so where does the gained or lost energy come from?
 
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Energy, is of course, reference frame dependent. Consider the classical scenario of two cars traveling towards each other along a road, you are sat in one car. Each car is traveling at 30mph relative to an observer who is stood stationary on the road.

Now, if you (sat in your car) 'measure' the kinetic energy of the other car is it going to be the same as if the stationary observer 'measures' the kinetic energy of the other car?
 
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