Why cant I use the same expression for doppler effect when the source is in motion and when the listener is in motion?

This is a common misconception that involves changes in frames of reference. In most contexts moving towards an object refers to the same physical reality as the object moving towards you (at constant speed). In the scenario we are concerned with, there's is a wave moving through space and the velocity of this motion is given with respect to the stationary air. This is the reason why in this case we can not simply suppose that we are not moving and the source it's coming towards us, the speed of the wave changes in this situation.

Answered by Francisco M. Physics tutor

1087 Views

See similar Physics IB tutors

Related Physics IB answers

All answers ▸

Explain the Lorenz force


Tritium is a radioactive nucleide with a half life of 4500 days, determine the time for 90% of it to decay.


If an object going in a circle has a force acting on it then why is it travelling at a constant speed


A ball mass 2kg rests on a slope of angle 60 degrees. If it is stationary, calculate the coefficient of static friction


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo
Cookie Preferences