Frequency of Reflected light in special relativity

In summary, the frequency of reflected light in special relativity is affected by the relative motion between the source of the light and the observer. According to the principles of special relativity, the Doppler effect alters the observed frequency of light due to changes in the relative velocity. When light reflects off a moving surface, both the frequency of the incoming light and the motion of the reflecting surface must be considered, leading to a shift in frequency that depends on the direction of the motion. This phenomenon demonstrates the interplay between light's properties and the relativistic effects of time and space, illustrating how velocities close to the speed of light can significantly impact the perception of light's frequency.
  • #1
mancity
26
2
Homework Statement
In a reference frame K a photon of frequency f falls normally on a mirror approaching it with relativistic velocity v. Find the momentum imparted to the mirror during the reflection of the photon (a) in the reference frame fixed to the mirror; (b) in the frame K.
Relevant Equations
f'/f = sqrt((1+(v/c))/(1-(v/c)))
In the. solution attached I'm not too sure why in frame K, we apply the doppler effect twice. Also, since the photon is moving away from the source, shouldn't the signs be switched? Thanks
Screenshot 2024-09-24 at 10.21.05 PM.png
 
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  • #2
Your image is hard to read, but you seem to have the right answer in the mirror frame. So in that frame you have left- and right-going light of frequency ##f'##. What frequency will those pulses have in ##K##?
 
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