What does cosmological redshift do to light

In summary, redshifting affects light by stretching its wavelength, but it does not slow down light or convert it into infrared. It is a natural phenomenon where light in the blue part of the spectrum can be shifted to the yellow region and further into the infrared and microwave regions. However, this does not change the fundamental speed of light.
  • #1
whatphysics
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I understand it's definition but i am unsure how it affects light.
Does it slow light down? (is this even possible?)
Does it stretch light's wavelength?
Does it convert light into infrared?
Does it make light brighter or dimmer?

hmm. thank you for your kind help!
 
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  • #2
This, "Does it stretch light's wavelength?" is correct and it is not just definition it happens. As approaching siren is shriller than the receding one.
 
  • #3
Let'sthink said:
This, "Does it stretch light's wavelength?" is correct and it is not just definition it happens. As approaching siren is shriller than the receding one.
Is it possible for the cosmo redshift to slow down light?
 
  • #4
Light's speed cannot be slowed down. It is a fundamental constant of nature. Light travels with a lower speed in other media.
 
  • #5
Let'sthink said:
Light's speed cannot be slowed down. It is a fundamental constant of nature. Light travels with a lower speed in other media.
That's what I thought too alright thank you so much! have a nice day!
 
  • #6
whatphysics said:
Does it convert light into infrared?
redshifting means the wavelengths are stretching and so getting longer.
It doesn't have anything specifically to do with infra red.
Visible light in the blue part of spectrum could be redshifted to the yellow region, that is also redshift.
Stretch it more and it will go through orange then red into infra red, but there's nothing special about that.
Stretch again and it's into the microwave region, it's all redshift no matter what wavelength is the end result..
 
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1. What is cosmological redshift?

Cosmological redshift is the phenomenon where light from distant objects in the universe appears to be shifted towards longer, redder wavelengths due to the expansion of the universe.

2. How does cosmological redshift affect light?

Cosmological redshift causes the wavelength of light to appear longer, which results in a decrease in its frequency and energy. This means that the light is stretched out and appears redder than it actually is.

3. What causes cosmological redshift?

The main cause of cosmological redshift is the expansion of the universe. As the space between objects in the universe expands, it causes the light to travel through more space and become stretched out.

4. Can cosmological redshift be used to measure distances in the universe?

Yes, cosmological redshift can be used to measure distances in the universe. By measuring the amount of redshift in the light from a distant object, scientists can determine how far away it is and how fast it is moving away from us.

5. How does cosmological redshift support the Big Bang theory?

Cosmological redshift is one of the key pieces of evidence that supports the Big Bang theory. The redshift of light from distant objects indicates that the universe is expanding and has been doing so since its origin in a massive explosion, as predicted by the Big Bang theory.

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