Calculating Wavelength of H_α for a Receding Star

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the wavelength of the H_α line from a receding star, specifically one moving at a speed of 3000 km/s. The original wavelength of the H_α line is 656.1 x 10-9 m. The correct formula for determining the observed wavelength due to the Doppler effect is λ = λo + (λov/c), where v is the velocity of the star and c is the speed of light. This indicates that the wavelength increases (red-shifts) as the star moves away from the observer.

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  • Doppler effect in astrophysics
  • Understanding of wavelength and frequency
  • Basic knowledge of the speed of light (c)
  • Familiarity with the H_α spectral line
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Homework Statement


One of the most prominent spectral lines of hydrogen is [tex]H_\alpha[/tex] line.A bright red light with wavelength of [tex]656.1\times 10^{-9}m[/tex].What's the expected wavelength of the [tex]H_\alpha[/tex] line from a star receding with a speed of 3000 km/s?






The Attempt at a Solution



Is it just [tex]\lambda=\lambda_o-\frac{\lambda_ov}{c}[/tex]
 
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azatkgz said:

Homework Statement


One of the most prominent spectral lines of hydrogen is [tex]H_\alpha[/tex] line.A bright red light with wavelength of [tex]656.1\times 10^{-9}m[/tex].What's the expected wavelength of the [tex]H_\alpha[/tex] line from a star receding with a speed of 3000 km/s?






The Attempt at a Solution



Is it just [tex]\lambda=\lambda_o-\frac{\lambda_ov}{c}[/tex]

I believe that should be: [tex]\lambda=\lambda_o+\frac{\lambda_ov}{c}[/tex]

When objects move away from the observer, the doppler shift, increases the wavelength (red-shifts it).

Sam
 

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