Can Tired Light Theory Explain Redshift Without Expansion of the Universe?

In summary, the conversation discusses finding the energy loss constant for the theory of tired light and its relation to redshift. The formula for this is dE/dr = -K*E, where r is the distance and K is the energy loss constant. The decrease in frequency is related to the energy loss, and can be calculated using the Doppler equation. To convert this to a relative energy loss, the conversation suggests working with logarithms of ratios.
  • #1
malebrok
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Homework Statement


The assignment is to find the energy loss constant for the theory of tired light. If redshift isn't caused by the expansion of the universe but from a loss of energy, how much of a photons energy is lost per unit distance(MegaParseC) for some set Hubble constant.

Homework Equations


The equation:
dE/dr = -K*E
r is the distance and K is the energy loss constant.

The Attempt at a Solution


Because photon energy is determined by E=h*f, the energy loss must correspond to the decrease in frequency. The relative frequency (per MPC in this instance) loss comes from the Doppler equation(c being the speed of light): f=(c/(c+H0))*f0
So with a Hubble constant (H0) of 70km/s per MPC gives loss in frequency of ~ 0.00033 % per MPC.

From here I'm kind of lost. How do i convert this to a relative energy loss (as the is no set frequency). With these formulas I'm still working with the electronvolt of the Planck constant, but i know the K constant does not have an energy dimension (it is only has MPC^-1).

I would be very thankful for any kind of pointers.
 
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  • #2
It might help to work with logarithms of ratios. dE/dr = -KE so dE/E = -kdr or d( ln E ) = -k dr. That means d (ln E - ln E_0) = -kdr or d ln (E/E_0) = -k dr. Integrating gives Ln(E/E_0) = -K r +C. with E=E_0 at r=0 C = 0.

(Remember when a rate of change is proportional to the value you have an exponential function).

This though doesn't directly address your problem. But indirectly it should. Rewrite your Doppler shift in terms of a ratio of frequencies f/f_0 and work from there.
 

1. How does the "tired light" theory explain the redshift of galaxies?

The "tired light" theory proposes that the redshift of galaxies is caused by the gradual loss of energy of photons as they travel through space. As photons travel, they interact with matter and lose energy, resulting in a longer wavelength and a redshift. This theory suggests that the universe is not expanding, but rather the light from distant galaxies is simply losing energy as it travels towards us.

2. What evidence supports the "tired light" theory?

One of the main pieces of evidence for the "tired light" theory is the observed lack of anisotropy in the cosmic microwave background radiation. According to the theory, if the universe was expanding, the radiation from the Big Bang would be stretched and show a pattern of anisotropy. Additionally, the "tired light" theory can also explain the observed correlation between galaxy redshift and distance.

3. How does the "tired light" theory differ from the Big Bang theory?

The "tired light" theory differs from the Big Bang theory in that it does not propose an expanding universe. Instead, it suggests that the redshift of galaxies is caused by the gradual loss of energy of photons as they travel through space. The Big Bang theory, on the other hand, proposes that the universe began with a sudden and rapid expansion from a single point.

4. Can the "tired light" theory explain the existence of dark matter and dark energy?

No, the "tired light" theory does not provide an explanation for dark matter and dark energy. These phenomena are still not fully understood and require further research and evidence to be fully explained. However, some researchers have proposed modifications to the "tired light" theory to incorporate these concepts.

5. How does the "tired light" theory impact our understanding of the age of the universe?

The "tired light" theory does not significantly impact our current understanding of the age of the universe. While it suggests that the universe is not expanding, it does not provide a definitive answer to the age of the universe. This is because the theory does not account for the observed expansion of the universe, which has been confirmed by various other observations and experiments.

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