How does relativity affect the Lyman line and its observed wavelength?

In summary, the conversation discusses the effect of relativity on the Lyman line and how it relates to the Doppler effect. It is important to properly apply the formula for calculating the wavelength in the rest reference system. The formula for the relativistic Doppler shift is also mentioned, which takes into account the velocity of the object and whether it is approaching or moving away from the observer.
  • #1
yxgao
123
0
Hi,
What is the effect of relativity on the Lyman line? For instance, an object emits a line with a certain wavelength, but we measure it to be 607.5 nm on earth. What is the speed that the object is moving relativity to the earth?

Thanks.
 
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  • #2
yxgao said:
Hi,
What is the effect of relativity on the Lyman line? For instance, an object emits a line with a certain wavelength, but we measure it to be 607.5 nm on earth. What is the speed that the object is moving relativity to the earth?
Thanks.

I believe it has to do with the old (round 150 years) Doppler-Fizeau effect.Take the book,search for the formula and apply it correctly,knowing u're given the value in the moving (but inertial) reference frame and you're being questioned about the wavelength in the rest reference system.

Daniel.

PS.It be can't gravitational red shift,right?? :confused:

EDIT:You're questioned about the velocity,you're given both wavelengths.So it's the same formula,though...
 
Last edited:
  • #3
Doppler effect - as an object moves away, the frequency of light emitted is reduced (red shift), and conversely, as the object approaches, the light wave frequency would increase (blue shift).
 
  • #4
Frequency as observed from Earth = sqrt[(c-v)/(c+v)] * frequency of the source.
v>0 means the object is moving away from the observer (red shift).

gamma.
 
  • #5
Thanks for your help, guys!
I didn't realize that this was just the relatvistic doppler shift:

[tex]
\nu_{obs} = \nu_{source} \sqrt{{\frac{1+\frac{v}{c}}{1-\frac{v}{c}}}}
[/tex]
[tex]\nu[/tex] positive means source is approaching
[tex]\nu[/tex] positive means source is not approaching
 

What is the Lyman line?

The Lyman line refers to a series of spectral lines in the ultraviolet region of the electromagnetic spectrum that are emitted by hydrogen atoms when their electrons transition from higher energy levels to the ground state.

What significance does the Lyman line hold in the study of relativity?

The Lyman line is important in the study of relativity because it is used to measure the redshift of objects in space. The amount of redshift in the Lyman line can indicate the velocity and distance of the object, which is essential in understanding the effects of time and space in relativity.

How does the Lyman line help in understanding the theory of relativity?

The Lyman line helps in understanding the theory of relativity by providing a way to measure the effects of gravity on light. According to the theory of relativity, the wavelength of light is affected by the gravitational pull of massive objects. By studying the redshift of the Lyman line, scientists can confirm the predictions of the theory of relativity.

Can the Lyman line be used to study other objects besides hydrogen atoms?

Yes, the Lyman line can also be used to study other objects such as quasars and galaxies. This is because the Lyman line is a universal phenomenon that is present in all hydrogen atoms, regardless of their location in the universe.

What is a Lyman limit system and how does it relate to the Lyman line?

A Lyman limit system is a phenomenon in which the Lyman line is completely absorbed by neutral hydrogen gas, resulting in a gap in the spectrum. This is important in understanding the distribution of gas and galaxies in the universe, as well as the evolution of galaxies over time.

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