Doppler Effect Source Moving Closer

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the Doppler Effect, specifically regarding the observed wavelength of light emitted from a source (Superman with a red lantern) moving towards an observer at a significant speed. Participants are analyzing the application of relevant equations to determine the observed wavelength from the given initial wavelength of 650 nm.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants attempt to apply the Doppler effect equations to calculate the observed wavelength, with some using the formula with a minus sign and others mistakenly using a plus sign. There are questions about the correctness of their calculations and the discrepancies with the answer key.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants expressing confusion over their calculations and the expected results. Some have provided alternative equations and are questioning why the standard Doppler effect equations may not yield the expected outcomes. There is no explicit consensus on the correct approach or answer yet.

Contextual Notes

Participants note discrepancies between their results and the answer key, with one participant mentioning a specific answer of 149 nm. There is also a reference to a related question about a source moving away, indicating a broader context of the Doppler effect being explored.

JSGandora
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Homework Statement


Superman is carrying a red lantern with wavelength 650nm. He flies toward you at a speed of 2.7x108 m/s.
What is the observed wavelength?

Homework Equations


f'=\frac{f}{\left(1-\frac{v_s}{v}\right)}
and
f=\frac{c}{\lambda}

The Attempt at a Solution


I used the equation f'=\frac{f}{\left(1-\frac{v_s}{v}\right)} and got my answer to be 65 nm. What did I do wrong?
 
Last edited:
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JSGandora said:

Homework Statement


Superman is carrying a red lantern with wavelength 650nm. He flies toward you at a speed of 2.7x108 m/s.
What is the observed wavelength?

Homework Equations


f'=\frac{f}{\left(1+\frac{v_s}{v}\right)}
and
f=\frac{c}{\lambda}

The Attempt at a Solution


I used the equation f'=\frac{f}{\left(1+\frac{v_s}{v}\right)} and solved for v_s and got my answer to be 75\times 10^8 m/s. What did I do wrong?

Well, for starters, the result you provided is a velocity (m/s), when in fact, what was asked for was a distance(m) (of a wavelength).
 
OOPS, I accidentally copied the wrong thing. I actualy got 65 nm for the wavelength using the correct formula with the minus sign in the denominator, not plus sign (edited original post). Sorry about that.
 
JSGandora said:
OOPS, I accidentally copied the wrong thing. I actualy got 65 nm for the wavelength using the correct formula with the minus sign in the denominator, not plus sign (edited original post). Sorry about that.

So can you now do your other question thread for the source moving away?

https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=546027

.
 
Bleh, I also forgot to mention that the answer key said 149nm.

Sorry for not giving all the information, I made this all a big mess. I don't understand why the answer is 149nm, I'm pretty sure all my calculations were correct. I also forgot to mention that my answer was not what the answer key said in my other thread. What answer are you getting?
 
Someone told me that the equation \lambda =\lambda_{0}\sqrt{{1-\beta}\over{1+\beta}} give the correct answer. Why didn't the usual doppler effect equation work here? I'm confused.
 

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