Red Shift/Blue Shift Flashcard Version A

Front

What is redshift?

Back

Redshift is the phenomenon where light from an object moving away from an observer is shifted to longer wavelengths, making it appear redder.

Front

What is blueshift?

Back

Blueshift is the phenomenon where light from an object moving towards an observer is shifted to shorter wavelengths, making it appear bluer.

Front

How does the Doppler effect relate to sound waves?

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

What happens to sound waves as a police car approaches?

Back

As a police car approaches, the sound waves are compressed, leading to a higher frequency and a higher pitch.

Front

What happens to sound waves as a police car moves away?

Back

As a police car moves away, the sound waves are stretched, leading to a lower frequency and a lower pitch.

Front

What is the significance of the color shift in galaxies?

Back

The color shift in galaxies indicates their motion relative to Earth; redshift indicates they are moving away, while blueshift indicates they are moving closer.

Front

What does a longer wavelength indicate in terms of motion?

Back

A longer wavelength indicates that the object is moving away from the observer.

Front

What does a shorter wavelength indicate in terms of motion?

Back

A shorter wavelength indicates that the object is moving towards the observer.

Front

How can we determine which galaxy is moving fastest away from us?

Back

We can determine the speed of a galaxy by measuring the degree of redshift in its light spectrum; the greater the redshift, the faster it is moving away.

Front

What is the relationship between frequency and wavelength?

Back

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