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Chapter 6: Problem 19

While a shock wave is being generated by a moving wave source, is the Doppler effect also occurring? Explain.

Short Answer

Expert verified
Answer: Yes, the Doppler effect is present when a shock wave is being generated by a moving wave source, as both phenomena result from the source's motion relative to an observer. When the source is moving at supersonic speeds, the waves become compressed, leading to shock waves, and the observer experiences the Doppler effect as a change in frequency.

Step by step solution

01

Definition of the Doppler effect

The Doppler effect is the change in frequency or wavelength of a wave in relation to an observer who is moving relative to the wave source. When the source of a wave is moving toward an observer, the frequency increases (i.e., the waves become compressed). When the source is moving away from the observer, the frequency decreases (i.e., the waves become stretched).
02

Definition of shock waves

Shock waves are a type of wave that form when an object moves through a medium (such as air or water) faster than the speed of sound. This causes the waves to combine and form a single, sharp wavefront, which is a shock wave. Shock waves are characterized by a sudden change in pressure, density, and temperature, and are typically associated with supersonic motion (i.e., motion faster than the speed of sound).
03

Relationship between Doppler effect and shock waves

The Doppler effect and shock waves both result from the motion of a wave source relative to an observer. When a wave source moves at subsonic speeds (i.e., slower than the speed of sound), the Doppler effect is present but there are no shock waves. If the wave source moves at supersonic speeds, shock waves are generated.
04

Conclusion

While a shock wave is being generated by a moving wave source, the Doppler effect is also occurring. This is because both phenomena are a result of the source's motion relative to an observer. When the source is moving at supersonic speeds, the waves become compressed, leading to shock waves, and the observer experiences the Doppler effect as a change in frequency.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

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