Question 1: What is red shift, and how does it relate to the movement of celestial objects?

Answer: Red shift is the increase in wavelength of light from an object moving away from the observer, causing the light to appear shifted toward the red end of the spectrum. It indicates that the celestial object is receding from Earth.

Question 2: Explain the mechanism by which red shift occurs in the universe.

Answer: Red shift occurs due to the Doppler effect, where the wavelength of light from an object moving away from the observer is stretched, making the light appear shifted toward the red part of the spectrum.

Question 1: If a galaxy's light has a wavelength of 700 nm when observed on Earth, and its emitted wavelength is 680 nm, calculate the red shift (z). Use the formula z = (λ_observed - λ_emitted) / λ_emitted. Provide your answer rounded to three decimal places.

Answer: z = 0.029

Question 2: A star's light shows a red shift with a z-value of 0.15. If the emitted wavelength of light is 500 nm, what is the observed wavelength?

Answer: λ_observed = 575 nm

Question 1: Describe a simple experimental setup to measure the red shift of light from a moving light source. Include the key variables involved.

Answer: A setup includes a light source mounted on a moving platform, a spectrometer to measure the wavelength of emitted light, and a way to control and measure the source's velocity. Variables include the velocity of the source, wavelength of emitted light, and the observed wavelength. Safety precautions involve avoiding direct exposure to intense light and ensuring secure mounting of equipment.

Question 1: A forensic scientist observes light from a distant object and notes a red shift corresponding to a z-value of 0.05. If the emitted wavelength of the source is known to be 600 nm, what is the observed wavelength? Explain what this red shift indicates about the movement of the object.

Answer: The observed wavelength is 630 nm. This red shift indicates the object is moving away from the observer at a velocity consistent with the Doppler effect, suggesting the object is receding.

Question 1: How is the concept of red shift used by astronomers to determine the rate at which the universe is expanding? Provide a brief explanation.

Answer: Astronomers measure the red shift of light from distant galaxies; larger red shifts indicate faster recession speeds. By analyzing these shifts, they estimate the rate of the universe's expansion, known as the Hubble constant.

Question 2: In forensic science, how could the principle of red shift potentially be applied to track the movement of a vehicle emitting a specific radio signal?

Answer: By analyzing the frequency shift in radio signals emitted by a moving vehicle, forensic investigators can determine whether the vehicle is approaching or receding. This application relies on Doppler shift principles similar to those used in astronomy, helping track movement and speed.