Log out Go to App
Go to App

Learning Materials

Features

Discover

Chapter 5: Problem 54

The Doppler effect describes how relative motion impacts wavelength. With a classmate, stand up and demonstrate each of the following: (a) a blueshifted source for a stationary observer; (b) a stationary source and an observer detecting a redshift; and (c) a source and an observer both moving in the same direction, but the observer is detecting a redshift. Create simple sketches to illustrate what you and your classmate did.

Short Answer

Expert verified
This exercise has more to do with understanding and physically demonstrating the Doppler Effect under different conditions rather than yielding a numerical solution. From moving towards or away from a stationary observer to both observer and source moving in the same direction, the observer perceives shifts in wavelength (blueshift and redshift) depending upon the relative movement. Sketches illustrating these situations aid in creating a visual understanding of these phenomena.

Step by step solution

01

Demonstrating a blueshifted source for a stationary observer

The classmate is to act as the source. He/she will move towards the student (the observer), who remains stationary. The moving source towards the observer signifies a reduction in wavelength, visualized as a blueshift. Sketch a diagram where a stationary observer is and the source is moving towards it.
02

Illustrating a stationary source and an observer detecting a redshift

In this scenario, the student (the observer) should move away from the classmate (source) who remains stationary. The observer perceives an increase in wavelength, visualized as a redshift. Sketch a diagram in which a stationary source is observed and the observer is moving away from it.
03

Explaining a source and an observer both moving in the same direction, but the observer is detecting a redshift

The student (observer) and the classmate (source) both move in the same direction, but the observer is moving faster than the source. This situation results in the observer perceiving an increase in wavelength, or a redshift. Sketch a diagram in which both the source and the observer are moving in the same direction, but the observer is moving faster.

Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!

  • Full Textbook Solutions

    Get detailed explanations and key concepts

  • Unlimited Al creation

    Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...

  • Ads-free access

    To over 500 millions flashcards

  • Money-back guarantee

    We refund you if you fail your exam.

Start your free trial

Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with Vaia!

One App. One Place for Learning.

All the tools & learning materials you need for study success - in one app.

Get started for free

Most popular questions from this chapter

How is the energy of a photon related to its wavelength? What kind of photons carry the most energy? What kind of photons carry the least energy?

What is the Doppler effect? Why is it important to astronomers?

The bright star Bellatrix in the constellation Orion has a surface temperature of \(21,500 \mathrm{~K}\). What is its wavelength of maximum emission in nanometers? What color is this star?

An imaginary atom has just 3 energy levels: \(0 \mathrm{eV}, 1 \mathrm{eV}\), and \(3 \mathrm{eV}\). Draw an energy-level diagram for this atom. Show all possible transitions between these energy levels. For each transition, determine the photon energy and the photon wavelength. Which transitions involve the emission or absorption of visible light?

Turn on an electric stove or toaster oven and carefully observe the heating elements as they warm up. Relate your observations to Wien's law and the Stefan-Boltzmann law.
See all solutions

Recommended explanations on Physics Textbooks

Classical Mechanics

Read Explanation

Thermodynamics

Read Explanation

Fields in Physics

Read Explanation

Magnetism

Read Explanation

Solid State Physics

Read Explanation

Scientific Method Physics

Read Explanation
View all explanations

What do you think about this solution?

We value your feedback to improve our textbook solutions.

Study anywhere. Anytime. Across all devices.

Sign-up for free