Naked Science Forum

Non Life Sciences => Physics, Astronomy & Cosmology => Topic started by: Tracy Fincham on 02/09/2008 18:26:11

Title: How does the Doppler effect work with light?
Post by: Tracy Fincham on 02/09/2008 18:26:11

Tracy Fincham  asked the Naked Scientists:

Hi,

I listen to your show whenever possible on 567 Cape Talk.

I realise that you have answered many questions about the speed of light. One thing that I am still not clear on: I was taught that the speed of light is absolute irrespective of the frame of reference which I find difficult to understand. Is this true? If so, how does the Doppler effect work with light?

Thank-you,

Arthur Fincham
Kaskazi Kayaks

What do you think?

Title: How does the Doppler effect work with light?
Post by: RD on 02/09/2008 18:54:26

The Doppler effect changes the frequency and the wavelength of a sound wave, but not the speed of the sound.

 

Title: How does the Doppler effect work with light?
Post by: chris on 11/09/2008 09:59:18

Exactly, so the same applies to light. In fact if the speed were to change then the Doppler effect wouldn't work - it relies on the constant relationship c=f.lambda (speed (c) = f (frequency) times lambda (wavelength).

Chris