Light Spectra Analysis Lab Report

Question

Directions: Use this Lab Report Worksheet to record data and draw conclusions as you complete the Shifting Light Spectra activity. You will submit this worksheet for your lab portfolio assignment.
Shifting Light Spectra
Introduction
The information that scientists can gather about the early universe is in the form of light from distant galaxies. This light requires millions of light years to reach Earth. If we can see the most distant galaxies, we can observe conditions in the early universe. Scientists analyze galaxy spectra to infer how the universe began. The current prevailing theory of the origin of the universe is called the big bang theory, which states that the universe began in a massive explosion of an extremely dense, hot ball of matter approximately 13.7 billion years ago.
Collect Data
1. Open the Shifting Light Spectra activity. When prompted, use the slider to move the galaxy as directed.
-Adjust the distance to compare the spectrum of the galaxy when it is closer, stationary, and farther from you. Then select Explore Further to view the spectra of more galaxies in motion.

2. When prompted, explore further. Select each galaxy to see its spectrum. Select blue or red to indicate if the galaxy’s spectral lines show redshift or blueshift. Then choose whether the change in spectral lines would indicate a diverging and expanding universe or a converging and shrinking universe.

3. Once you confirm you are correct, use check marks ( ✔) to record your answers for each galaxy in the data table.
Spectra Analysis of Different Galaxies
Galaxy
Redshift
Blueshift
Expanding Universe
Shrinking Universe
1

2

3

4

Analyze Data
4. What pattern do you observe in the spectra of the galaxies?

5. What can you infer about the position of the galaxies 100 million years before this telescope photo was taken? How does this relate to the big bang theory?

6. How does your analysis of the spectra relate to the big bang theory?

Answer 1

Light Spectra Analysis Lab Report

Introduction

The purpose of this experiment is to analyze the light spectra from distant galaxies in order to gather information about the early universe. By observing the spectral lines of these galaxies, we can infer their movement and, consequently, the expansion or contraction of the universe. This relates to the Big Bang theory, which posits that the universe originated in a massive explosion approximately 13.7 billion years ago.

Collect Data

Spectra Analysis of Different Galaxies

| Galaxy | Redshift | Blueshift | Expanding Universe | Shrinking Universe | |--------|----------|-----------|---------------------|--------------------| | 1 | ✔ | | ✔ | | | 2 | ✔ | | ✔ | | | 3 | | ✔ | | ✔ | | 4 | ✔ | | ✔ | |

Analyze Data

4. What pattern do you observe in the spectra of the galaxies?

The pattern observed in the spectra of the galaxies indicates that most of the galaxies exhibited redshift, suggesting that they are moving away from us. This is consistent with the concept of an expanding universe. However, one galaxy displayed blueshift, indicating it is moving closer, which is less common and typically points toward unique gravitational interactions.

5. What can you infer about the position of the galaxies 100 million years before this telescope photo was taken? How does this relate to the Big Bang theory?

Based on the redshift observed in most galaxies, it can be inferred that they were much closer to each other 100 million years before the photo was taken, indicating that the universe has expanded significantly over time. This expansion supports the Big Bang theory, which describes how the universe has been continuously expanding since its inception. As we look further back in time, we see galaxies closer together; this aligns with the theory of an initially dense and hot universe.

6. How does your analysis of the spectra relate to the Big Bang theory?

The analysis of the spectra directly supports the Big Bang theory through the evidence of redshift in most galaxies. This redshift signifies that galaxies are moving away from us, which is a key piece of information pointing to the expanding nature of the universe. The study of light spectra not only gives insights into the motion of galaxies but also helps us understand the dynamics and evolution of the universe following the Big Bang, showing that it has been expanding for billions of years since its origin.