Phase Speed of Wave in non-relativistic Doppler Shift Derivation

In summary, the conversation discusses the Doppler shift for a moving siren and the derivation for the frequency measured by a ground observer. It also addresses a question about the calculation of the wave speed as measured by the emitter, which is the same as that measured by the ground observer since they are both at rest relative to the air.
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TL;DR Summary
The phase speed of a wave in the derivation of the non-relativistic Doppler shift does not change between reference frames. Shouldn't the Galilean transformation apply?
Consider the situation where an observer at rest on the ground measures the frequency of a siren which is moving away from the observer at speed ##v_{Ex}##. Let ##v_w## be the speed of the sound wave. Let ##\lambda_0##, ##f_0##, ##\lambda_D##, and ##f_D## be the wavelengths and frequencies measured by the emitter and ground observer. Let T be the wave's period measured by the ground observer. Following the standard non-relativistic doppler shift derivation, ##f_D## = ##\frac{v_w}{\lambda_D}## = ##\frac{v_w}{\lambda_0 + v_{Ex}T}## = ##\frac{v_w}{\frac{v_w}{f_0} + \frac{v_{Ex}}{f_0}}## = ##\frac{f_0}{1 + \frac{v_{Ex}}{v_w}}##.

My question, is why is ##\lambda_0## = ##\frac{v_w}{f_0}##? If the wave speed on the ground is ##v_w##, shouldn't the wave speed as measured by the emitter be calculated using the Galilean transformation? Instead it is the same value as measured by the ground observer.
 
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To answer my own question, we are comparing the frequency measured by the ground observer -- who is at rest relative to the medium air -- with that measured by an observer moving with the siren and at rest relative to the air. Since they are both at rest relative to the air, they will measure the sound to have the same speed ##v_w##.
 

FAQ: Phase Speed of Wave in non-relativistic Doppler Shift Derivation

What is the concept of phase speed in the non-relativistic Doppler shift derivation?

The phase speed of a wave is the speed at which the phase of the wave changes over time. In the non-relativistic Doppler shift derivation, it is used to calculate the frequency of a wave as perceived by an observer moving relative to the source of the wave.

How is the phase speed of a wave related to its frequency and wavelength?

The phase speed of a wave is directly proportional to its frequency and inversely proportional to its wavelength. This means that as the frequency of a wave increases, its phase speed also increases, while a shorter wavelength results in a higher phase speed.

What is the difference between phase speed and group speed?

Phase speed and group speed are two different ways of measuring the speed of a wave. While phase speed refers to the speed at which the phase of the wave changes, group speed refers to the speed at which the overall shape or envelope of the wave moves. In some cases, these speeds may be equal, but in other cases, they can differ.

How does the non-relativistic Doppler shift derivation take into account the motion of the observer and the source?

The non-relativistic Doppler shift derivation takes into account the motion of the observer and the source by using the relative velocity between the two. This velocity is used to calculate the change in frequency of the wave as perceived by the observer.

What are some real-world applications of the non-relativistic Doppler shift derivation?

The non-relativistic Doppler shift derivation has many practical applications, such as in radar technology, where it is used to measure the speed of moving objects. It is also used in astronomy to determine the velocity of celestial objects, and in medical imaging techniques like ultrasound to measure blood flow velocity.

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