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Pearson Edexcel International GCSE (9–1) · PHYSICS · Section

THE DOPPLER EFFECT

16 practice questions

Practice questions

11–16 of 16

  1. Question 11

    1 mark · Normal

    Which of the following is direct evidence that the universe is expanding?

    1. A.The cosmic microwave background radiation
    2. B.Observing galaxies with a blue-shift
    3. C.Red-shift in the light from distant galaxies
    4. D.The formation of supernovae
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  2. Question 12

    2 marks · Normal

    A student incorrectly states that the blue-shift of galaxy light proves the universe is expanding. Explain why this statement is incorrect.

    Answer and see the solution →
  3. Question 13

    4 marks · Normal

    The diagram shows lines on the spectrum of light from two galaxies, Q and R, at different observed wavelengths.

    (a)

    State which galaxy, Q or R, is moving away from Earth faster. Justify your answer using the spectrum diagram.

    [2 marks]
    (b)

    The normal wavelength of a particular line in a laboratory is 590 nm. For Galaxy Q, this line is observed at 594 nm. For Galaxy R, it is observed at 600 nm. Calculate the change in wavelength () for both galaxies.

    [2 marks]
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  4. Question 14

    3 marks · Normal

    A sodium lamp on Earth emits a spectral line with a wavelength of 589 nm. The same line from a distant galaxy is observed at 600 nm.

    Calculate the red-shift () of light from this galaxy. Use:\n\[ z = \frac{\Delta \lambda}{\lambda_0} \] where is the original wavelength.

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  5. Question 15

    3 marks · Normal

    Describe two scientific arguments that support the Big Bang theory, other than red-shift.

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  6. Question 16

    3 marks · Normal

    A table below shows observed red-shift (z) values for different galaxies at increasing distances from Earth.

    Red-shift and distance for several galaxies
    GalaxyDistance (million light-years)Red-shift (z)
    A1000.005
    B2000.010
    C4000.020
    D6000.030
    (a)

    Describe the relationship between galaxy distance and red-shift shown in the table.

    [2 marks]
    (b)

    Suggest what this relationship supports about the universe.

    [1 mark]
    Answer and see the solution →