Transverse Doppler Effect for a Moving Star

In summary, the problem involves a star traveling at 0.5c and emitting light with a wavelength of ##\lambda_0## in its rest frame. The task is to calculate the observed wavelength and angle of emission in Earth's frame, and comment on the result in relation to relativistic time dilation. Using the Lorentz transformation matrix, it is found that the observed wavelength is ##\frac{\lambda_0}{\gamma}##, which is different from the result found on Wikipedia. This could be due to the ordering of the transformation or the direction of the emitted light in Earth's frame.
  • #1
Dazed&Confused
191
3

Homework Statement


A star travels in a direction transverse to the line of observation from Earth, with a speed 0.5c. It also emits light with wavelength ##\lambda_0## in the rest frame of the star. Calculate the wavelength of the light as observed on Earth, and also the angle at which the light is emitted in the rest frame of the star. Comment briefly on how your result relates to relativistic time dilation.

Homework Equations



Lorentz Transformation.

##\textbf{p} = Ec##
##\frac{E}{c} = \frac{h}{\lambda_0}##

The Attempt at a Solution



Assuming the star is traveling in the positive ##x##-axis and that it emits the photon in the positive ##y##-axis, then the photon in the star's rest frame is

$$ \left ( \begin{array} \\
0 \\ \frac{h}{\lambda_0} \\ 0 \\ \frac{h}{\lambda_0} \end{array} \right ). $$

Multiplying by the Lorentz transformation matrix to the frame of the Earth from that of the star, we have

$$
\left ( \begin{array} \\ \gamma & 0 & 0 & \gamma \beta \\ 0 & 1 & 0 & 0 \\ 0 & 0 & 1 & 0 \\ \gamma \beta & 0 & 0 & \gamma \end{array} \right )
\left ( \begin{array} \\
0 \\ \frac{h}{\lambda_0} \\ 0 \\ \frac{h}{\lambda_0} \end{array} \right ) = \left ( \begin{array} \\ \gamma \beta \frac{h}{\lambda_0} \\ \frac{h}{\lambda_0} \\ 0 \\ \gamma \frac{h}{\lambda_0} \end{array} \right).
$$

So according to this the wavelength has decreased to ##\frac{ \lambda_0}{\gamma}##, but that is different to what I've found on wikipedia, where it is the frequency that decreases.

What have I done wrong?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
Is it simply the wrong ordering of the transformation? Is the actual case that the light is in the ##y## direction in Earth's frame and so we multiply by the inverse matrix to find the photon in the stars frame ( which we already know the wavelength of)?
 

Related to Transverse Doppler Effect for a Moving Star

1. What is the Transverse Doppler Effect?

The Transverse Doppler Effect is a phenomenon in which the frequency of a wave (such as light or sound) is shifted when the source and observer are moving perpendicular to each other. This effect is a result of the relative motion between the source and observer, and is different from the more commonly known Doppler Effect which occurs when the source and observer are moving towards or away from each other.

2. How does the Transverse Doppler Effect differ from the Doppler Effect?

The main difference between the Transverse Doppler Effect and the Doppler Effect is in the direction of relative motion between the source and observer. In the Transverse Doppler Effect, the source and observer are moving perpendicular to each other, whereas in the Doppler Effect, they are moving towards or away from each other. This difference in motion leads to a different frequency shift in the two effects.

3. What is the significance of the Transverse Doppler Effect?

The Transverse Doppler Effect has significant applications in various fields of science, such as astronomy and physics. It is used to measure the relative motion and distance between objects in space, and has also been used to test the theory of relativity proposed by Albert Einstein.

4. Can the Transverse Doppler Effect be observed in everyday life?

While the Transverse Doppler Effect is more commonly observed in astronomical observations, it can also be observed in everyday life. For example, the frequency of sound from a moving siren will be higher when the siren is moving perpendicular to the observer than when it is moving directly towards or away from the observer.

5. How is the Transverse Doppler Effect calculated?

The Transverse Doppler Effect is calculated using the formula: Δf/f = v/c, where Δf is the frequency shift, f is the original frequency, v is the relative velocity between the source and observer, and c is the speed of the wave. This formula is derived from the principles of special relativity and is used to determine the observed frequency shift in the Transverse Doppler Effect.

Similar threads

  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
6
Views
630
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
3
Views
874
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
6
Views
821
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
936
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
3
Views
749
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
849
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
961
  • Special and General Relativity
Replies
7
Views
859
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
775
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
8
Views
1K
Back
Top