Red Shift/Doppler Effect

Front

What is Red Shift?

Back

Red Shift is the phenomenon where light from an object moving away from an observer shifts towards the red end of the electromagnetic spectrum.

Front

What is Blue Shift?

Back

Blue Shift is the phenomenon where light from an object moving towards an observer shifts towards the blue end of the electromagnetic spectrum.

Front

What does the Doppler Effect describe?

Back

The Doppler Effect describes the change in frequency or wavelength of a wave in relation to an observer moving relative to the wave source.

Front

How does the Doppler Effect apply to sound?

Back

As a sound source moves towards an observer, the sound waves compress, leading to a higher pitch (approaching sound). As it moves away, the waves stretch, resulting in a lower pitch (receding sound).

Front

What happens to the light from a star moving towards Earth?

Back

The light from a star moving towards Earth experiences Blue Shift, indicating it is approaching.

Front

What happens to the light from a star moving away from Earth?

Back

The light from a star moving away from Earth experiences Red Shift, indicating it is receding.

Front

What is the significance of the spectral lines in astronomy?

Back

Spectral lines help identify the elements present in a star and determine its motion relative to Earth.

Front

What can we infer if a star's light is shifted towards the red end of the spectrum?

Back

If a star's light is shifted towards the red end of the spectrum, it indicates that the star is moving away from the observer.

Front

What can we infer if a star's light is shifted towards the blue end of the spectrum?

Back

If a star's light is shifted towards the blue end of the spectrum, it indicates that the star is moving towards the observer.

Front

What is the relationship between the speed of an object and the degree of red or blue shift?

Back

The greater the speed of an object moving away or towards an observer, the greater the degree of red or blue shift observed.