The period of a pulsating star with respect to the star

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves determining the period of a pulsating star as measured by an observer moving at a significant velocity relative to the star. The subject area pertains to concepts in astrophysics and relativistic effects, particularly the Doppler effect.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the need to apply the Doppler effect to account for the change in frequency due to relative motion. Questions arise regarding the direction of motion, as the problem does not specify whether the observer is moving towards or away from the star.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants exploring the implications of the Doppler effect and the assumptions regarding the direction of motion. There is no explicit consensus yet, but some guidance on the approach has been suggested.

Contextual Notes

The problem lacks specific details about the direction of the observer's motion, which may influence the interpretation of the Doppler effect in this context.

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Homework Statement



A pulsating star has a period of 3 sec as seen from the rest mass frame of the star. What is the period of the star as measured by an observer traveling 2.4 x 108 m/s with respect to the star?


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution

 
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How do you think you should start?
 
I'd think you'd need to use Doppler. The frequency changes due to the motion, although it doesn't say which way, and you have the frequency when there's no relative motion.
 
That sounds good, it should work. And that's a good point, they don't seem to say if they are moving towards or away. I'd guess away, as the standard convention is: negative velocities mean approaching each other.
 

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