Question

In space, a stationary light source emits green light at a frequency of 5.50*10^14Hz. A spaceship approaches the light at a speed 1.50*10^7m/s. What is the frequency of the light that is perceived aboard the spaceship. (the speed of light is 3.00*10^8m/s) A.6.08*10^14Hz B.4.98*10^14Hz C.5.50*10^14Hz D.6.77*10^14Hz

Answer 1

A spaceship approaches the light at a speed 1.50*10^7m/s which is about 5% of light speed. So the green light will shift towards the blue end of spectrum due to "blue shift."

The frequency should be higher which rules out option B and C. Looking at the magnitude of change, the correct answer should be A.6.08*10^14Hz,