Rearranging the doppler effect formula to solve for Vs

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the Doppler Effect and the rearrangement of its formula to isolate the variable Vs. Participants are exploring the mathematical manipulation of the equations related to the Doppler Effect, particularly in the context of identifying variables and their roles in the formula.

Discussion Character

  • Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to rearrange the Doppler Effect formula to solve for Vs but expresses uncertainty in the mathematical steps required. Other participants provide a version of the formula and inquire about specific examples that may clarify the original poster's difficulties.

Discussion Status

Some guidance has been offered in the form of a step-by-step breakdown of the formula, although the original poster has not yet confirmed their understanding or progress. Multiple interpretations of the problem are being explored, particularly regarding the rearrangement of the formula.

Contextual Notes

The original poster has indicated that they have all other variables in the formula but are struggling specifically with the rearrangement to isolate Vs. There is a mention of the possibility of the question being more suited for a math help section, suggesting a potential overlap between physics and mathematics in this context.

hellokitty
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I know which equations to use for solving Doppler Effect problems, so figuring out which is the observer and which is the source and which is moving or stationary is not the problem, the problem I am having is in solving the actual formulas... This question might belong in the math help section but I thought it was best to post this in the physics area because it does deal with a physics topic.

Anyway, I attached the equations as graphics (maybe somebody knows how to LATEX these?). I am looking for some help in rearranging these equations to solve for each of the variables, V,Vs,Vo,Fo,Fs.

Can somebody please help me arrange the formula where I can solve for Vs??
 

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Here's a latex version of that formula (which applies when the observer is stationary but the source moves):

f_o = f_s \frac{v}{v \pm v_s} = f_s \frac{1}{1 \pm v_s/v}

Do you have an example of the kind of problem that is giving you trouble?
 
the problem is asking to solve for Vs from the formula that I have attached. But I do not know how to rearrange it to where I can solve for Vs. I have everything else in the formula but I do not know how to rearrange it...
 
Do it step by step:

f_o = f_s \frac{1}{1 \pm v_s/v}

\frac{f_o}{f_s} = \frac{1}{1 \pm v_s/v}

\frac{f_s}{f_o} = 1 \pm v_s/v

You take it from here.
 

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