× Didn't find what you were looking for? Ask a question
Top Posters
Since Sunday
Home Q & A Board Science-Related Homework Help Physics
New Topic  
ppk ppk
wrote...
Valued Member
On Hiatus
Posts: 3561
Rep: 58 2
11 years ago
Briefly explain how we can use spectral lines to determine an object's radial motion. Can we also learn the object's tangential motion (across our line of sight) from its spectral lines?
Read 4852 times
1 Reply

Related Topics

Replies
wrote...
#1
Donated
Valued Member
11 years ago
By comparing the wavelength of the spectral lines in the object's spectrum to the rest wavelengths of the same lines, we measure the Doppler shift. This tells us the object's radial motion: A shift toward shorter wavelength means the object is moving toward us, and a shift to longer wavelength means it is moving away from us. We cannot learn anything about the object's tangential motion from its spectral lines because this does not affect the line positions.
New Topic      
Quick Reply
Explore
Post your homework questions and get free online help from our incredible volunteers
  1280 People Browsing
Start New Topic Take the Tour CoursesNew Study Tools Topics Trending Browse by Textbook
Related Images
  
 303
  
 319
  
 145
Your Opinion
How often do you eat-out per week?
Votes: 79
Previous poll results: Do you believe in global warming?