Constant velocity vs accelerating source

In summary: If the emitter is moving, the observer will measure a shifted frequency based on the relative speed. In summary, the speed of electromagnetic radiation is constant and independent of the motion of the source or the observer. Therefore, a signal sent from a transmitter, traveling at constant velocity toward an observer, will arrive at the same time regardless of whether it is accelerating or receding from the observer, as long as it is sent from the same relative distance.
  • #1
brightonb
6
0
Would a signal sent from a transmitter, traveling at constant velocity toward an observer, arrive at the same time if it were accelerating toward that observer? The signals are sent at the same relative distance from the observer. Would the result be the same if the transmitters were receding from the observer?
 
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  • #2
brightonb said:
Would a signal sent from a transmitter, traveling at constant velocity toward an observer, arrive at the same time if it were accelerating toward that observer? The signals are sent at the same relative distance from the observer. Would the result be the same if the transmitters were receding from the observer?

Same proper distance from the recipient, yes. Which means at the same distance distance according to the recipient.

If you doing all the relative distances according to the transmitter, then no.

cheers,

neopolitan
 
  • #3
brightonb, i don't think there would be a difference because the speed at which light travels (c) is constant and does not depend on the motion of the observer as long as the light is emitted at the same distance from the transmitter in both cases.
 
  • #4
Would a signal sent from a transmitter, traveling at constant velocity toward an observer,

You have constrained you inquiry by the phrase "traveling at constant velocity" so of course any two signals traveling at the same constant velocity would arrive at the same time from the same distance.

I think your real question is
Would a signal sent from a transmitter arrive at the same time if it were sent from the same distance approaching as receding from the observer?

and the answer is "yes" because the speed of electromagnetic radiation (say, light) is independent of the speed of the source or the observer.
 
  • #5
Naty1 said:
You have constrained you inquiry by the phrase "traveling at constant velocity" so of course any two signals traveling at the same constant velocity would arrive at the same time from the same distance.

I think your real question is

and the answer is "yes" because the speed of electromagnetic radiation (say, light) is independent of the speed of the source or the observer.

Only one source is moving at constant velocity, the other is accelerating but they both transmit a signal from the same location. e.g., the c.v. source could be moving at 100 mph while the accel source could be at 1000 mph at the transmission time.
 
  • #6
brightonb said:
Only one source is moving at constant velocity, the other is accelerating but they both transmit a signal from the same location. e.g., the c.v. source could be moving at 100 mph while the accel source could be at 1000 mph at the transmission time.
Both signals will have the same velocity. The state of motion (velocity, acceleration, etc) of the emitter is irrelevant.
 

1. What is the difference between constant velocity and accelerating source?

Constant velocity refers to an object moving at a steady speed in a straight line, while an accelerating source is one that is increasing its speed over time. This means that the velocity of an accelerating source is constantly changing, whereas constant velocity has a consistent speed.

2. How does a constant velocity source behave in terms of motion?

A constant velocity source will have a motion that is predictable and can be described using the equations of motion. It will continue to move at the same speed and in the same direction unless acted upon by an external force.

3. Can an accelerating source have a constant velocity?

No, an accelerating source cannot have a constant velocity. This is because acceleration is defined as a change in velocity over time, so for an object to have a constant velocity, it must have a constant acceleration of 0.

4. What are some examples of constant velocity sources?

Some examples of constant velocity sources include a car traveling at a steady speed on a straight road, a ball rolling at a constant speed on a flat surface, and a satellite orbiting the Earth at a constant speed.

5. How is the motion of an accelerating source different from that of a constant velocity source?

The motion of an accelerating source is different from that of a constant velocity source because an accelerating source is changing its velocity over time, while a constant velocity source maintains a steady speed. This means that the path of an accelerating source may be curved, while a constant velocity source will move in a straight line.

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