Estimating Doppler Shift for a Radio Wave

[Covenant32]

Homework Statement

Estimate the Doppler shift for a radio wave reflected from an airplane moving directly toward you at a speed of 292 m/s. Assume the radio wave has a frequency of 9.7x10^6 Hz.

Homework Equations

fo = fv/(v − vt)

The Attempt at a Solution

Using the above equation I got 1.9e5 Hz. But, that is incorrect. Am I not using the correct equation?

 

[Delphi51]

That is a strange formula. What is t or vt? Check the formula here
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Doppler_effect

The shift will be too small to show up on an ordinary calculator. I expect you will have to do a bit of manipulating to isolate the change from the base frequency.

Also, reflecting from a moving reflector is more complicated. Better read this:
http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/sound/radar.html

 

[Covenant32]

Thanks, Delphi. In my textbook, doppler shift is covered 2 pages, and thus of little use.