Naked Science Forum
Non Life Sciences => Physics, Astronomy & Cosmology => Topic started by: Tracy Fincham on 02/09/2008 18:26:11
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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?
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The Doppler effect changes the frequency and the wavelength of a sound wave, but not the speed of the sound.
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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