In a doppler shift why does a moving source show no increase in speed of the mechanical waves emitted?

I'll first ask the student to explain the difference between a moving source and moving observer, prompting them until they get something like this(asking them to draw a diagram if needed)- When the observer moves(towards source): frequency increases but the wavelength is the same, therefore the wavelengths appear faster to the observer. When the source moves(towards observer): frequency stays the same but the wavelength shortens.

Despite what common sence would have you believe about velocities being cumulative, the wave's speed depends on the properties of the medium, not the motion of the source. The speed for a classical wave is constant in any given medium when stationary relative to the medium.

JG
Answered by James G. Physics tutor

1865 Views

See similar Physics GCSE tutors

Related Physics GCSE answers

All answers ▸

A person has a suitcase with wheels. The person pulls the suitcase with a horizontal force of 13 N for 110 m. Calculate the work done on the suitcase by the person (3 marks).


Describe the structure of an alpha particle


What is terminal velocity?


What is Fleming's left hand rule?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences