Why cant I use the same expression for doppler effect when the source is in motion and when the listener is in motion?

This is a common misconception that involves changes in frames of reference. In most contexts moving towards an object refers to the same physical reality as the object moving towards you (at constant speed). In the scenario we are concerned with, there's is a wave moving through space and the velocity of this motion is given with respect to the stationary air. This is the reason why in this case we can not simply suppose that we are not moving and the source it's coming towards us, the speed of the wave changes in this situation.

FM

Related Physics IB answers

All answers ▸

What is the difference between the centripetal acceleration and the centrifugal force?


How can an object in circular motion be accelerating when it's at the same speed?


Give the unit of energy, using only the base SI units kg, m and s.


How would I write the binary number 11001 in decimal form?