Classical and Lorentzian transformation for doppler effect

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on deriving the classical and relativistic equations for the Doppler effect as presented in Problem 3 of Chapter 4 from "Intro to the Theory of Relativity" by Bergmann. The classical equation is defined as f' = f(1 - (v/c)cosα), while the relativistic equation incorporates the Lorentz factor γ, resulting in f' = γ * (classical). A participant expresses confusion regarding the manipulation of frequency terms and the application of Galilean transformations, specifically questioning the potential swapping of f and f'.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of the Doppler effect in physics
  • Familiarity with Lorentz transformations
  • Knowledge of wave mechanics, specifically plane scalar waves
  • Basic grasp of the Lorentz factor (γ) in special relativity
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of the Doppler effect in both classical and relativistic contexts
  • Learn about the implications of the Lorentz factor (γ) on frequency transformations
  • Explore Galilean vs. Lorentz transformations in detail
  • Review examples of frequency shifts in various frames of reference
USEFUL FOR

Students of physics, educators teaching relativity, and anyone interested in the mathematical foundations of the Doppler effect and its applications in different reference frames.

leandrofosque
Messages
5
Reaction score
0
Hi everyone, I am having some problems understanding Bergmann's problems.

Problem 3 from Chapter 4 from Intro to the Theory of Relativity by Bergmann

1. Suppose that the frequency at a light ray is f with respect to a frame of reference S. Its frequency f′ in another frame of reference, S', depends on the angle α between the direction of the light ray and the direction of relative motion of S and S'. Derive both the classical and the relativistic equations stating how f' depends on f and the angle α. The light may be treated as a plane scalar wave moving with velocity c.

Sol: classical ##f'= f(1-(v/c)cosα) ##
relativistic ##f'= γ. (classical) ##(where γ is the Lorentz factor)

What I did:

## x=ctCosα## , then ##x=fλtCosα##

From Galilean transf. we have: ##x=x'-vt ,##

then ##fλtCosα= f'λtCosα-vt , f = f' - \frac{v}{λCosα}, f = f' - (\frac{vf'}{cCosα})##

What did I do wrong?
 
leandrofosque said:
What did I do wrong?

I think maybe you swapped f and f'.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K
  • · Replies 25 ·
Replies
25
Views
2K
Replies
3
Views
2K
Replies
11
Views
5K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
4K
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K