Wavelength Diagram: Difference in Intensity Blueshift vs Redshift

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the differences in wavelength intensity between blueshift and redshift phenomena. Grove1996 seeks a diagram illustrating these differences but initially confuses intensity with energy. Participants clarify that while a blueshift indicates higher energy photons compared to redshift, it does not alter the intensity of light. The conversation emphasizes the need for a qualitative understanding of the mechanisms behind these shifts, suggesting that a diagram should depict a source and observer relationship.

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Grove1996
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Hey

I have to find a diagram that shows the difference in wavelength intensity between a blueshift and a redshift. I've searched for a while but all the diagrams I find are pretty awful. If anyone knows any that decent ones would you mind linking it below? All I can find is the colour spectrum but it doesn't show anything in terms of the intensity.

Thankyou
Regards,
Grove1996
 
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I don't think that "intensity" is the word you are looking for. A shift won't change the intensity of the light (one ray can't become four).

A single "blue photon" carries more energy than a "red photon", maybe that is what you are thinking of?
 
NascentOxygen said:
I don't think that "intensity" is the word you are looking for. A shift won't change the intensity of the light (one ray can't become four).

A single "blue photon" carries more energy than a "red photon", maybe that is what you are thinking of?

Yes that it is. Sorry for the mistake haha, I'm still new to the topic.
 
So, we've sorted that out. :wink:

Next, are you really looking for a diagram? Maybe you mean "formula"?

In case you are really wondering where does that extra energy come from, the extra energy carried by a blue ray which used to be a white ray? I don't know the mechanism.
 
This sounds like you need to qualitatively diagram a red and blue shift. So the first thing you need to do is figure out what causes these shifts? Draw a source and an observer with some arbitrary wavelength of radiation emanating from the source. Now ask yourself what has to happen to cause a shift in the wavelength as seen by the observer without altering the actual wavelength of radiation coming from the source?

I might be misunderstanding the question but that is my take on it.
 

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