Physics Review Question

Unit: waves
Year: 1988 Question#: 38
Question: An Earth satellite in orbit emits a radio signal of constant frequency. Compared to the emitted frequency, the frequency of the signal recieved by a stationary observer will appear to be

(1 ) higher as the satellite approaches
(2 ) higher as the satellite moves away
(3 ) lower as the satellite approaches
(4 ) unaffected by the satellite's motion

What is this question really asking?


Explanation by: Allison B.

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Answer 1
higher as the satellite approaches

CORRECT

as the satellite approaches, the waves appear to be pushed together, so the frequency appears higher to the observer. This is a perfect example of the Doppler Effect. return to top























Answer 2
higher as the satellite moves away

INCORRECT

as the satellite moves away, the waves spread out, so they have a lower frequency, not higher. Recheck your understanding of the Doppler Effect. return to top



























Answer 3
lower as the satellite approaches

INCORRECT

as the satellite approaches, the waves get closer together (smushed in), so they have a higher frequency, not lower. Recheck your understanding of the Doppler Effect. return to top


























Answer 4
unaffected by the satellite's motion

INCORRECT

since the satellite is moving in relationship to the Earth, waves emitted from it will experience the doppler effect, which will change the apparent frequency. return to top


























What's this question really asking?

this question is asking if you can recognize and analyze the doppler effect.

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