Speed & Direction of wave

  • Context: Undergrad 
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the effects of a source's motion on the speed and direction of waves, particularly light waves. Participants explore concepts related to wave propagation, the behavior of light in moving systems, and the implications of relativity in these contexts.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants assert that a source cannot push or pull a wave, suggesting that the source does not affect the speed or direction of the wave.
  • Others argue that the motion of the source does affect the direction of a wave, using examples such as light traveling through a moving glass fiber.
  • It is proposed that while the speed of light is constant in a vacuum, the direction of light can change based on the motion of the source or medium, as illustrated by the behavior of light in a moving fiber.
  • Some participants introduce vector physics, suggesting that if the source's motion affects direction, it could also affect speed if the wave is emitted in the same direction as the source's motion.
  • Concerns are raised about the implications of a moving source on wave direction and speed, with references to sound waves and their behavior in relation to a moving source.
  • Participants discuss the concept of light taking a longer path from the perspective of a stationary observer due to the motion of the receiver after the light is emitted.
  • There is a suggestion to consider how a beam of light is formed from a moving source and how this affects the resulting beam's direction.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on whether the motion of a source affects the speed and direction of waves. There is no consensus, as some argue for the independence of wave speed from the source's motion, while others present counterarguments suggesting that direction can be influenced by the source's movement.

Contextual Notes

Participants reference various physical principles and examples, but the discussion remains unresolved regarding the relationship between the source's motion and wave behavior, particularly in the context of relativity and different media.

  • #31
And if air and receiver don't move along with source then also the wave reaches to B then there should not be any sound cone with supersonic planes.

what about my second point?
 
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