Calculating Doppler Shift for Radar Gun and Moving Ambulance

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating the Doppler shift detected by a radar gun in a police car traveling at 100 km/h towards an ambulance. The radar gun emits radiowaves with a wavelength of 0.0650 m, and the correct Doppler shift calculated is 1540 Hz. Participants emphasize using the relative speed of 180 km/h between the police car and ambulance for accurate results. The radar gun functions as both a transmitter and receiver of the reflected wave, necessitating an understanding of the Doppler effect in electromagnetic waves.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of the Doppler effect in wave physics
  • Knowledge of radar technology and its operation
  • Familiarity with relative speed calculations
  • Basic principles of electromagnetic radiation
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the mathematical formulation of the Doppler effect for electromagnetic waves
  • Learn about radar technology and its applications in law enforcement
  • Research the differences between relativistic and classical Doppler shifts
  • Explore the impact of medium on wave propagation, specifically in sound waves
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for physics students, engineers working with radar systems, and professionals in law enforcement utilizing radar technology for speed detection.

mexqwerty
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A police car is traveling at a constant speed of 100. km/h with a radar gun which generates and detects radiowaves. The police car and the ambulance drive directly towards each other. The radar gun produces radiowaves with a wavelength of 0.0650 m.

What doppler shift (Δf = f′–f) is detected by the radar gun after the radiowave has been reflected by the ambulance?

I don't really know what to do. Do I use the relative speed between the police car and ambulance which is 180kmph? The right answer is 1540 Hz.
 
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You have to walk yourself through the steps - the police car is acting as a transmitter of the original wave, and a receiver of the reflected wave, and it's moving.

Personally, since radio waves are light, I'd use the relative speed and the relativistic Doppler shift. F it were sound you may have to account for the medium.
 

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