Red Shift/Doppler Effect

Front

What is the Doppler Effect?

Back

The Doppler Effect is the change in wavelength (and frequency) of a wave in relation to an observer moving relative to the source of the wave.

Front

What happens to the wavelength of light from an object moving away from an observer?

Back

The wavelength of light increases, causing a redshift.

Front

What color corresponds to the longest wavelength in the visible spectrum?

Back

Red.

Front

What is redshift?

Back

Redshift is the phenomenon where light from an object moving away from an observer is shifted to longer wavelengths, appearing more red.

Front

What is blueshift?

Back

Blueshift is the phenomenon where light from an object moving towards an observer is shifted to shorter wavelengths, appearing more blue.

Front

How does the Doppler Effect apply to sound waves?

Back

As a sound source moves towards an observer, the sound waves compress, leading to a higher pitch; as it moves away, the waves stretch, resulting in a lower pitch.

Front

What is the relationship between wavelength and frequency?

Back

Wavelength and frequency are inversely related; as wavelength increases, frequency decreases and vice versa.

Front

What is the electromagnetic spectrum?

Back

The electromagnetic spectrum is the range of all types of electromagnetic radiation, organized by wavelength.

Front

What characteristic organizes the electromagnetic spectrum?

Back

The electromagnetic spectrum is organized by wavelength.

Front

What can the spectra of stars tell us?

Back

The spectra of stars can reveal the elements present in the star, as different elements absorb and emit light at specific wavelengths.