Doppler shift for an observer in circular motion

In summary, the conversation discusses the possibility of using the angle change formula and the doppler shift formula to obtain the doppler shift of light coming from a star observed in circular motion. It is concluded that both methods lead to the same result, with the transverse doppler shift being the final outcome.
  • #1
BiGyElLoWhAt
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Say we have an observer in perfectly circular motion around a source, like a star.

Is it reasonable to apply the angle change formula ##cos \theta_o = \frac{cos \theta_s - \frac{v}{c}}{1-\frac{v}{c}cos \theta_s}## and then take the component of the motion parallel to the light wave in the observers frame and apply the doppler shift formula to it in order to obtain a doppler shift?
 
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  • #3
Yes.
 
  • #4
What answer do you get when you apply your method?
 
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  • #5
Well, the velocity component parallel to light comes out to be ##-v^2/c## using a coordinate system such that the light from the source always points along the y-axis (and thus the observer is moving along the x axis).
Plugging that into the doppler shift formula ##f_s/f_0 = \sqrt{\frac{1+\beta}{1-\beta}}## you get ##\frac{f_s}{f_0} = \frac{1+\frac{-v^2}{c^2}}{1-\frac{-v^2}{c^2}}## whiiichhh appears to be the transverse doppler shift. That's cool. Thanks.

*-x axis, because convention, +theta direction.
 
  • #6
I suppose I should have just worked it out. I didn't realize that they led to the same thing.
 

FAQ: Doppler shift for an observer in circular motion

What is the Doppler shift for an observer in circular motion?

The Doppler shift for an observer in circular motion is a change in the frequency of a wave due to the relative motion between the source of the wave and the observer. This effect is observed when the source and the observer are in circular motion around a common center.

How does the Doppler shift for an observer in circular motion differ from that of a stationary observer?

The Doppler shift for an observer in circular motion differs from that of a stationary observer because the relative velocity between the source and the observer is constantly changing in circular motion, resulting in a continuously changing Doppler shift. In contrast, for a stationary observer, the relative velocity remains constant and the Doppler shift remains constant as well.

What factors influence the magnitude of the Doppler shift for an observer in circular motion?

The magnitude of the Doppler shift for an observer in circular motion is influenced by the velocity of the source and the observer, as well as the radius of the circular motion. The greater the velocities and the smaller the radius, the larger the Doppler shift will be.

Can the Doppler shift for an observer in circular motion be both positive and negative?

Yes, the Doppler shift for an observer in circular motion can be both positive and negative. A positive shift indicates that the frequency of the wave has increased, while a negative shift indicates that the frequency has decreased. This depends on the direction of the relative velocity between the source and the observer.

Is the Doppler shift for an observer in circular motion applicable to all types of waves?

Yes, the Doppler shift for an observer in circular motion is applicable to all types of waves, including sound waves, light waves, and radio waves. It is a fundamental phenomenon that occurs whenever there is relative motion between a wave source and an observer.

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