Are These Two Forms of the Doppler Shift Formula Equivalent?

In summary, a distant galaxy is moving away from us at a speed of 1.85x10^7m/s. Starting from the formula for the doppler shifted frequency, derive a formula for the change in wavelength and hence calculate the fractional redshift (λ'-λ₀)/λ₀ in the light from the galaxy.
  • #1
graves248
2
0
A distant galaxy is moving away from us at a speed of 1.85x10^7m/s. Starting from the formula for the doppler shifted frequency, derive a formula for the change in wavelength and hence calculate the fractional redshift (λ'-λ₀)/λ₀ in the light from the galaxy.

I'm pretty confused at the moment as I've seen the formula i need written in two different ways:

f₀ =f [tex]\sqrt{}[(1+v/c)/(1-v/c)][/tex]

and

f₀ =f [tex]\sqrt{}[(c+v)/(c-v)][/tex]

Are these two different forms of the same equation, as I can't seen to derive one from the other?

I suppose then the relationship I need to use is v = f λ, but I am confused about which values of velocity, wavelength etc this equation relies on in this instance.

Sorry if I've missed something obvious as I don't think this question should be too hard, but I just can't think where to start.
Thanks for any help
 
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  • #2
It's the same formula. Multiply numerator and denominator inside the sqrt with [itex]c[/itex]
 
  • #3
you're correct with the relationship between frequency and wavelength- now write your doppler shift formula in terms of the wavelength, and substitute the expression you get (solve for lambda in terms of lambda-naught) into the fractional redshift formula. it is actually a pretty clean result. Plug the given velocity in at the end, and voila! :)
 
  • #4
Cheers for the help.. this is what i did:

λ₀ = λ [tex]\sqrt{}[(c-v)/(c+v)][/tex]

and because

z = (λ₀ - λ)[tex]/[/tex]λ

z = [tex]\sqrt{}[(c-v)/(c+v)][/tex] - 1
But when i sub in my value for v, this gives me a negative redshift. Wouldn't this mean that the object was in fact moving towards me?

Have I done something wrong here? think i may have confused some lambdas for lambda noughts
 
  • #5
Since I don' t know about your conventions, let's make some.

[itex] f_i [/itex] the initial frequency of the light emitted, thus [itex]\lambda_i=\frac{c}{f_i}[/itex]

[itex] f_o [/itex] the frequency of the light we observe, thus [itex]\lambda_o=\frac{c}{f_o}[/itex]

Then
[tex]f_o=\sqrt{\frac{c-v}{c+v}}\,f_i\Rightarrow \lambda_o=\sqrt{\frac{c+v}{c-v}}\,\lambda_i[/tex]
thus the redshift

[tex] z=-1+\frac{\lambda_o}{\lambda_i}\Rightarrow z=-1+\sqrt{\frac{c+v}{c-v}}>0[/tex]
 
  • #6
I'm currently looking at how the distance to stars is calculated using redshift and I've realized there are 4 types of redshift that need to be taken into account-

Doppler effect (which applies to < z =0.1)

[tex]r (distance) = \frac{v}{H} = \frac{zc}{H}[/tex]

if z = 0.03

[tex]r (distance) = \frac{v}{H} = \frac{zc}{H} = \frac{0.03c}{71} = \frac{8993.775}{71} = 126.673 Mpc[/tex]

Relativistic Doppler effect (which applies to > z =0.1)

equation as above but special relativity applies due to the motion of source close to the speed of light. z needs to be adjusted using the following equation-

[tex] z = \sqrt{\frac{1 + v/c}{1 - v/c}} -1[/tex]

which provides the following equation-

[tex] v/c = \frac{(z + 1)^{2} - 1}{(z + 1)^{2} + 1}[/tex]

therefore if z = 0.1

[tex]v/c = \frac{(0.1 + 1)^{2} - 1}{(0.1 + 1)^{2} + 1} = 0.095c[/tex]

[tex]r (distance) = \frac{v}{H} = \frac{zc}{H} = \frac{0.095c}{71} = \frac{28480.2875}{71} = 401.13 Mpc[/tex]

Expansion of Space (cosmological redshift)

The result of the stretching of space-time (as postulated by general relativity) and not by radial motion which occurs with the doppler effect. This may make objects appear redder than they should and would give a false sense of speed/ distance.

[tex]1 + z = \frac{^{a}now}{^{a}then}[/tex]

Gravitational redshift

Only applies to black holes, neutron stars and possibly white dwarfs


Looking at the equations above, I'm under the impression that the equation for the relativistic doppler effect takes care of the cosmological redshift or is there another level of mathematics after applying the relativistic doppler equation in order to account for the cosmological redshift?

Steve
 
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  • #7
Thank you for this posting but may i please ask for the algebra steps from:

Z=(sqr(1+v/c)/(1-v/c))-1 to,

v/c=((z+1)^2-1)/((z+1)^2+1)
 
  • #8
Nubi said:
Thank you for this posting but may i please ask for the algebra steps from:
stevebd1 said:
[tex] z = \sqrt{\frac{1 + v/c}{1 - v/c}} -1[/tex]

which provides the following equation-

[tex] v/c = \frac{(z + 1)^{2} - 1}{(z + 1)^{2} + 1}[/tex]

Add 1 to both sides .. etc.
 
  • #9
Yes "add one" and then I square which makes the equation:

(Z+1)^2=(1+v/c)/(1-v/c)

but how do I then rewrite it?
 
  • #10
Nubi said:
Yes "add one" and then I square which makes the equation:

(Z+1)^2=(1+v/c)/(1-v/c)

but how do I then rewrite it?

Multiply it out, group the v/c terms together and solve. You're almost there.
 
  • #11
presbyope said:
Multiply it out, group the v/c terms together and solve. You're almost there.

Pleace, "explicit math" would help..
If you know it:-D
 

FAQ: Are These Two Forms of the Doppler Shift Formula Equivalent?

What is the Relativistic Doppler shift problem?

The Relativistic Doppler shift problem refers to the change in frequency and wavelength of electromagnetic waves (such as light) due to the relative motion between the source of the waves and the observer.

How does the Relativistic Doppler shift problem differ from the classical Doppler effect?

The classical Doppler effect only considers the relative motion of the source and the observer, whereas the Relativistic Doppler shift problem takes into account the effects of special relativity, including the relative velocities and time dilation.

What are the factors that affect the magnitude of the Relativistic Doppler shift?

The magnitude of the Relativistic Doppler shift is affected by the relative velocities between the source and the observer, the angle of observation, and the speed of light.

How is the Relativistic Doppler shift problem used in astrophysics?

The Relativistic Doppler shift problem is used to determine the velocities and distances of astronomical objects, such as stars and galaxies, by analyzing the shifts in their spectral lines.

Can the Relativistic Doppler shift problem be applied to other types of waves besides electromagnetic waves?

Yes, the Relativistic Doppler shift problem can be applied to all types of waves, including sound waves and gravitational waves, as long as there is relative motion between the source and the observer.

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