Measuring Wave Speed: Reference Frame Considerations

In summary, the wave equation shows that the speed of wave propagation, denoted by v, is measured in both classical physics and relativity. In classical physics, v represents the speed of the wave propagation in the lab frame, such as for a wave on a string. However, it is not clear why the lab frame is chosen as the reference frame. In the case of electromagnetic waves, the choice of reference frame is not as straightforward.
  • #1
Pushoam
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In the wave equation## \frac {\partial^2 \psi} {\partial x^2}=\frac{1}{v^2}\frac{\partial^2 \psi}{\partial t^2}\tag{1}##, v is the speed of the wave propagation.
With respect to which reference frame is this speed measured( in general)?
 
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  • #2
What is the context of your question, classical physics, relativity or quantum mechanics?
 
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  • #3
classical physics and relativity
 
  • #5
jedishrfu said:
What do you think v represents for each one then?
v represents speed of the wave propagation.
For example, if we take wave on a string, then the speed is measured from the lab frame.
But how do we know that the speed should be measured from the lab frame( just by knowing the wave equation)?
And why can't we decide the reference frame in case of electromagnetic waves?
 

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