Is the Doppler shift an independent principle?

[Quantum River]

Is the Doppler shift an independent principle of wave mechanics? Or we can deduce it from other principles of wave mechanics? The article [1] gives an analogy of throwing and receiving balls. But it may be inappropriate. We are discussing wave mechanics? Why bother an analogy of balls/particles?

Also could anyone discuss the relation between Doppler shift and Galilean relativity and Einstein's relativity principle? Because the Doppler effect happens both in the case of water or sound wave and light wave.

 

[Valerie Park]

The Doppler effect is a principle of wave mechanics that is derived from the principles of wave motion. It is related to the Galilean relativity principle, which states that the laws of physics remain invariant under a constant velocity Galilean transformation. This means that when an observer moves relative to a source of waves, the observed frequency of the waves will be different from what the observer would observe if he or she was stationary. The Doppler effect also applies in the case of light waves, where the effect is known as the Doppler-Fizeau effect. This is due to the fact that light waves obey the same equations of wave motion as acoustic or water waves. The Doppler-Fizeau effect is also related to Einstein's theory of special relativity, since the equations of wave motion are modified in the presence of a gravitational field.

 

[sir-pinski]

The Doppler shift is a fundamental principle in wave mechanics that describes the change in frequency of a wave as a result of relative motion between the source of the wave and the observer. It is not an independent principle, but rather a consequence of other principles of wave mechanics, such as the principle of superposition and the wave equation. However, it is a very important concept that has many practical applications in various fields, such as astronomy, meteorology, and acoustics.

The article's analogy of throwing and receiving balls may not be the most appropriate for discussing the Doppler shift in the context of wave mechanics. However, it can still be a useful way to understand the concept in a more tangible way. It is important to keep in mind that the Doppler shift applies to all types of waves, not just particles like balls.

In terms of the relation between the Doppler shift and Galilean relativity and Einstein's relativity principle, it is important to note that the Doppler effect is a classical phenomenon that can be explained by both theories. In Galilean relativity, the Doppler shift is a consequence of the relative motion between the source and observer. In Einstein's relativity, it is a consequence of the relative velocities and the time dilation effect. However, Einstein's theory also extends the concept of the Doppler shift to include the effects of gravity and acceleration, which are not accounted for in Galilean relativity.

In conclusion, the Doppler shift is a fundamental principle in wave mechanics that can be understood and derived from other principles. While the analogy of balls may not be the most suitable, it can still be a helpful way to conceptualize the concept. Additionally, the Doppler shift can be explained by both Galilean relativity and Einstein's relativity, but Einstein's theory provides a more comprehensive understanding of its effects.