Asked by Joan
A hydrogen atom, when vigorously perturbed, can emit light with a frequency of 6.16 × 1014 Hz. When the same light from hydrogen atoms in a distant galaxy is observed on earth, the frequency is 5.21 × 1014 Hz. Calculate the speed at which the galaxy is receding from the earth (in units of the speed of light, c).
Answers
Answered by
drwls
Since v is much less than c, you can use the approximate formula
(delta f)/fo = 0.95*10^14/6.16*10^14
= 0.154 = v/c
v = 0.154 c = 4.6*10^7 m/s
There is an exact formula for the relativistic Doppler shift of light, but I don't believe they expect you to know it. You can find it at
http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/relativ/reldop2.html
(delta f)/fo = 0.95*10^14/6.16*10^14
= 0.154 = v/c
v = 0.154 c = 4.6*10^7 m/s
There is an exact formula for the relativistic Doppler shift of light, but I don't believe they expect you to know it. You can find it at
http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/relativ/reldop2.html
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