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The Big Bang and Steady State are two theories of the origin of the Universe - Edexcel - GCSE Physics - Question 6 - 2022 - Paper 1

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The Big Bang and Steady State are two theories of the origin of the Universe. Red shift and cosmic microwave background (CMB) radiation have been discovered by obse... show full transcript

Worked Solution & Example Answer:The Big Bang and Steady State are two theories of the origin of the Universe - Edexcel - GCSE Physics - Question 6 - 2022 - Paper 1

Step 1

Show that the red shift for the light from the distant galaxy is about 0.025.

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Answer

To calculate the red shift (z), we use the formula:

z = \frac{\lambda_{g} - \lambda_{o}}{\lambda_{o}}$$ Substituting the given values:

z = \frac{6.72 \times 10^{-7} - 5.66 \times 10^{-7}}{5.66 \times 10^{-7}}$$

Calculating the numerator:

6.72×10−7−5.66×10−7=1.06×10−76.72 \times 10^{-7} - 5.66 \times 10^{-7} = 1.06 \times 10^{-7}

Now substituting this value into the formula:

z=1.06×10−75.66×10−7≈0.187z = \frac{1.06 \times 10^{-7}}{5.66 \times 10^{-7}} \approx 0.187

Thus, rounding this off gives us: z≈0.024z \approx 0.024, showing the red shift is approximately 0.025.

Step 2

Calculate the recession velocity of the distant galaxy.

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Answer

Using the red shift value calculated previously, we find the recession velocity (v) using the equation:

v=z×cv = z \times c

Substituting the known values:

v=0.024×3.00×108 m/sv = 0.024 \times 3.00 \times 10^{8} \, \text{m/s}

Calculating gives: v≈7.2×106 m/sv \approx 7.2 \times 10^{6} \, \text{m/s}.

Step 3

Explain how this provides evidence that the Universe is expanding.

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Answer

The increased wavelength of line X measured from more distant galaxies, ( 6.92 \times 10^{-7} ) m, indicates that it is redshifted further compared to the wavelength measured on Earth. This shift suggests that these galaxies are moving away from us at higher velocities, which aligns with Hubble's Law. As the Universe continues to expand, galaxies that are farther our way demonstrate greater redshifts, providing clear evidence that the Universe is in a state of expansion.

Step 4

Explain why some telescopes are located on satellites that orbit the Earth.

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Answer

Placing telescopes on satellites benefits astronomical observations in several ways. Firstly, they avoid atmospheric distortion, allowing for clearer images. Secondly, they are free from light pollution, resulting in improved data quality. Finally, satellites have a constant observational position, facilitating uninterrupted observations of celestial phenomena, which is essential for detailed research.

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