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3 (a) Figure 2 shows some lines in the absorption spectra from four different galaxies (A, B, C, and D) and from a laboratory source - Edexcel - GCSE Physics - Question 3 - 2016 - Paper 1
Question 3
3 (a) Figure 2 shows some lines in the absorption spectra from four different galaxies (A, B, C, and D) and from a laboratory source. All the spectra are aligned an... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:3 (a) Figure 2 shows some lines in the absorption spectra from four different galaxies (A, B, C, and D) and from a laboratory source - Edexcel - GCSE Physics - Question 3 - 2016 - Paper 1
Step 1
Explain, using Figure 2, which galaxy is furthest away from us.
Answer
To determine which galaxy is furthest away, we examine the absorption spectra shown in Figure 2. The galaxy that is furthest away will exhibit a greater redshift in its absorption lines compared to the laboratory source and the other galaxies.
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Identify the Reference Point: The laboratory source serves as a reference for the wavelength of absorption lines that would be seen without any movement.
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Analyze the Spectral Lines: By comparing the spectra of galaxies A, B, C, and D to the laboratory source, we can observe the degree to which their absorption lines have shifted.
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Determine the Redshift: A larger redshift indicates that the galaxy is moving away from us at a high velocity, typically seen in galaxies that are further away due to the expansion of the universe.
In analyzing the shifts, if galaxy C shows the greatest degree of redshift in its absorption lines, then it is the galaxy furthest away from us.