What change in frequency does the fighter jet observe?
The fighter jet notices a change in frequency of 697 Hz from Doppler's effect. According to the formula for Doppler's effect, ∆f = fu/c, where ∆f is the change in frequency, f is the frequency of the antenna's broadcast, u is the speed of the fighter jet, and c is the speed of light. Plugging in the values of f = 406 MHz, u = 515 m/s, and c = 3 x 10^8 m/s into the formula gives us a change in frequency of 697 Hz. Therefore, the fighter jet measured a 697 Hz change in frequency.
Understanding Frequency and Doppler's Effect
Frequency: Frequency is the number of occurrences of a repeating event per unit of time. In the context of wave propagation, it refers to the number of wave cycles that pass a point in a given period. The unit of frequency is Hertz (Hz), which is equivalent to one cycle per second.
The Doppler Effect:
The Doppler effect is the change in frequency or wavelength of a wave in relation to an observer who is moving relative to the wave source. This effect is commonly observed with sound waves (such as the change in pitch of an ambulance siren as it moves towards or away from you) and light waves (seen in the redshift or blueshift of stars due to their motion).
In the case of the fighter jet scenario, as the jet is traveling away from the communication antenna at a constant speed, the frequency of the broadcast is observed to change. This change in frequency, known as the Doppler shift, is calculated using the formula mentioned earlier (∆f = fu/c).
By understanding the principles of frequency and the Doppler effect, we can comprehend how the fighter jet observed a 697 Hz change in frequency due to its motion relative to the communication antenna.