Speed inorder to shift green light to blue light?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the hypothetical scenario of how fast one must travel in a jet or spaceship to shift the wavelength of green light (570 nm) to blue light (475 nm) using the Doppler effect. The conversation includes theoretical considerations and mathematical formulations related to this phenomenon.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant proposes a scenario involving a jet or spaceship shining a green laser and questions the necessary speed to shift the light's wavelength.
  • Another participant suggests looking up the Doppler effect as a relevant concept.
  • A participant mentions the formula for the Doppler effect, specifically the relativistic Doppler formula, and provides the equation for frequency shift as well as a method to solve for the speed required.
  • There is a reiteration of the Doppler formula and a note on converting wavelength to frequency using the speed of light.
  • One participant expresses gratitude and indicates they will attempt to work through the problem.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the specific speed required, as the discussion includes various contributions without a definitive resolution to the initial question.

Contextual Notes

The discussion does not clarify certain assumptions, such as the reference frame of the observer or the conditions under which the Doppler effect is applied. There are also unresolved mathematical steps in determining the exact speed.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in the Doppler effect, relativistic physics, or those curious about the relationship between speed and light wavelength shifts may find this discussion relevant.

Moviemann345
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Hypothetically if your in a jet or spaceship & are shining a green laser pen out the window how fast must you travel to cause the green light (570 nm) to change into low energy blue light (475 nm)
 
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Look up the Doppler effect.
 
fo = fv/(v ± vs)? This isn't a homework problem & I am not in a physics class, I was just curious
 
Moviemann345 said:
fo = fv/(v ± vs)? This isn't a homework problem & I am not in a physics class, I was just curious
You need to use the relativistic Doppler formula:

f_o = f_s \sqrt{\frac{1 + \beta}{1 - \beta}}

where β = v/c

Solve for β, then you'll have the speed. To convert wavelength to frequency, use c = fλ.

This tells you the frequency shift seen by an observer when the light source moves toward him at speed v.
 
Oh ok thanks I'll try it out
 

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