Doppler shift source velocity components

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the Doppler effect, specifically addressing why a source moving perpendicular to the line of sight between it and an observer does not produce a Doppler shift. Participants are exploring the implications of source and observer velocities in relation to the Doppler effect.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are questioning the relationship between radial velocity and the Doppler effect, with one noting that the radial velocity must be zero for no effect to occur. Others are prompted to consider types of motion that maintain a constant distance between the source and observer.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants exploring different interpretations of motion and its impact on the Doppler effect. Some guidance has been offered regarding the nature of motion and its relevance to the problem, but no consensus has been reached.

Contextual Notes

There is a focus on understanding the velocity components of both the observer and the source, particularly in non-linear motion scenarios. Participants are also considering the implications of distance changes on the perceived wavelength.

undividable
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Homework Statement


Why does a source moving perpendicular to the line between it and the observer produce no doppler effect?

Homework Equations


source-and-observer-towards-each-other.png


The Attempt at a Solution


I have heard the the radial velocity of the source relative to the observer must be zero but i don't understand why, if the distance between the source and the observer is increasing or decreasing , shouldn't there be a doppler effect since the wave length is changing?
 
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undividable said:

Homework Statement


Why does a source moving perpendicular to the line between it and the observer produce no doppler effect?

Have you tried to figure out what sort of motion that represents?
 
Try to think of a type of motion, where one object is stationary, and the other object is always moving, yet does not get any closer or farther from the fixed point.
 
i guess my real question is, how does the doppler effect work when the observer and source are not moving in a straight line, what do we take in as the velocity of the observer and the source in the doppler effect equation?
 

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