Doppler Effect Source Moving Closer

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on calculating the observed wavelength of light from a source moving toward an observer, specifically Superman carrying a red lantern with a wavelength of 650 nm at a speed of 2.7 x 10^8 m/s. The initial attempt incorrectly applied the Doppler effect formula, leading to an erroneous wavelength of 65 nm. The correct formula involves using a negative sign in the denominator for sources moving closer, which should yield a different result. There is confusion regarding the answer key, which states the observed wavelength is 149 nm, prompting questions about the validity of the calculations and the appropriate equations to use. The conversation highlights the importance of using the correct Doppler effect equations in different scenarios.
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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?
 
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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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