Question

You are riding in a train, gazing into the distance through its window. As close objects streak by, you notice that the nearby fluorescent lights make dashed streaks. Explain.

a) Doppler effect.

b) Persistence of vision.

c) Quantum physics phenomenon.

d) Magnetic interference.

Answer 1

The dashed streaks observed from nearby fluorescent lights while riding in a train are caused by the Doppler effect.

Step-by-step explanation:

The dashed streaks observed from nearby fluorescent lights while riding in a train are caused by the Doppler effect.

The Doppler effect refers to the change in frequency of waves (such as light) due to the motion of the source or observer. When the train is moving, the light waves emitted from the fluorescent lights get crowded closer together or spread out as the source approaches or recedes from the observer.

This effect can be observed with sound as well, where the pitch of a siren or horn appears to change as a moving vehicle passes by.