Doppler effect in moving medium?

In summary, The conversation discusses a situation where a sound with a certain frequency is coming from a fixed source, while the listener and source are both in an inertial reference frame. However, there is wind blowing from the source to the listener, creating a different situation than if the listener were chasing the source at the speed of wind. The solution in the book gives a different answer than the listener chasing the source, but both situations are actually the same. The typical non-relativistic Doppler formula does not apply, and instead a general formula must be used.
  • #1
xxxyyy
14
2
Hi there,
here's the problem:
There's a sound, with a certain frequency coming, from a source.
Both the listener and the source are fixed in a inertial reference frame.
But there's wind blowing from the source to the listener.
Now, this situation isn't the same as the listener chasing the source, both moving with the speed of wind, in a reference frame with no wind?
This would give no change in frequency for the listener, I guess.
The solution in my book gives me another answer: source fixed, listener moving towards the source at the speed of wind (in a reference frame with no wind).
Who's right?
Thanks for the help!
 
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  • #2
xxxyyy said:
Now, this situation isn't the same as the listener chasing the source, both moving with the speed of wind, in a reference frame with no wind?
Yes, it is the same. However, the typical non-relativistic Doppler formula does not work for this.

Here is a page on the general Doppler formula that applies for everything.

https://www.mathpages.com/rr/s2-04/2-04.htm
 
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FAQ: Doppler effect in moving medium?

What is the Doppler effect in a moving medium?

The Doppler effect in a moving medium refers to the change in frequency of a wave when the source of the wave and/or the observer are in motion relative to the medium through which the wave is traveling. This results in a perceived change in the wavelength and pitch of the wave.

How does the Doppler effect in a moving medium affect sound waves?

The Doppler effect in a moving medium affects sound waves by changing the frequency and wavelength of the sound. When the source of the sound is moving towards the observer, the frequency and pitch of the sound will increase, and when the source is moving away, the frequency and pitch will decrease.

What factors can affect the magnitude of the Doppler effect in a moving medium?

The magnitude of the Doppler effect in a moving medium can be affected by the speed of the source and/or observer, the speed of the medium, and the angle of the motion relative to the direction of the wave.

How is the Doppler effect in a moving medium used in real life?

The Doppler effect in a moving medium is used in various real-life applications, such as radar and sonar systems, where it is used to determine the speed and direction of moving objects. It is also used in medical imaging, such as ultrasound, to detect moving objects within the body.

What is the difference between the Doppler effect in a moving medium and the Doppler effect in a stationary medium?

The Doppler effect in a moving medium differs from the Doppler effect in a stationary medium in that the motion of the source or observer affects the perceived frequency and wavelength of the wave. In a stationary medium, the frequency and wavelength of the wave remain constant regardless of the motion of the source or observer.

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