Motion of Source Effects Frequency of Wave: an Exploration

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the impact of a moving source on the frequency of waves, specifically addressing how constant speed motion affects wave propagation. It is established that while the wave propagation speed remains constant relative to the medium (water), an observer at rest perceives a change in frequency due to the motion of the source. The conversation highlights that the Doppler effect is independent of the propagation speed in the medium, confirming that the frequency observed does not change if the source remains stationary.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of wave propagation principles
  • Familiarity with the Doppler effect
  • Knowledge of relative motion concepts
  • Basic physics of waves in different media
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the mathematical formulation of the Doppler effect
  • Explore wave propagation in different mediums, such as air and water
  • Study the implications of relative motion on wave frequency
  • Investigate real-world applications of the Doppler effect in technology
USEFUL FOR

Students of physics, educators teaching wave mechanics, and professionals in fields such as acoustics and optics will benefit from this discussion.

gstar2002
Messages
3
Reaction score
0
i know that motion of source can change the frequency of wave.
constant speed motion will not change the wave progagation relative to water itself.but from the point of a observer at speed 0, the propagation speed will change. so my question is what will happen to frequency?
thanks for help. maybe the motion is then not wave.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Suppose that the source doesn't move. In T, the source emits a full wavelength d = vT, where v is the propagation speed in moving medium. The wave front approaches the observer with speed v. So to pass the observer a distance d (= 1 wavelength), it takes time = d/v = T. So nothing changes :smile: The result is not surprising, as Doppler effect has nothing to do with propagation speed in the medium.
 

Similar threads

Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
1K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
1K
  • · Replies 19 ·
Replies
19
Views
2K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
1K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 76 ·
3
Replies
76
Views
5K
Replies
4
Views
2K