Doppler Effect
Now that you know how to determine the movement of a star or object by applying the Doppler effect, use your knowledge to provide the correct answers to the following questions. Make sure to completely answer each question and to show all of your work. The following equation may assist you in completing this assignment:
This activity is also available below or in a printable version.
Barnard’s star is viewed with a wavelength of one of its absorption spectra at 498.8 nm. This wavelength should be at 499.0 nm. What is velocity at which the object is moving? Is it redshifting or blueshifting? Is the star approaching or receding? Show all work.
- The Andromeda Galaxy is on a collision course with the Milky Way galaxy. It is believed that they will collide with each other around 4.5 billion years from now. If the spectrum of one of its absorption lines are at 427.4 nm and it is measured to be at 427.7 nm, what is the speed at which Andromeda is moving? Is it redshifting or blueshifting? Is the galaxy approaching or receding? Show all work.
- A quasar is one of the most studied and misunderstood phenomenon in the universe. Astronomers have found that their motion is unlike any other object in the universe. The spectrum of one of the lines emitted was found to be at 638.9 nm but the measured value was at 436.6 nm. What is the speed at which the quasar is moving? Is it redshifting or blueshifting? Is the object approaching or receding? Show all work.
Once you have finished answering the questions, please submit your responses to the dropbox.