What is the redshift and velocity of the galaxy relative to us

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the redshift and velocity of a galaxy based on its observed emission line, specifically the H-alpha line in the Balmer series of Hydrogen. Participants are attempting to understand the relationship between observed and emitted wavelengths in the context of cosmological redshift.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Conceptual clarification

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss different formulas for calculating redshift, questioning the necessity of the emitted wavelength. There is confusion regarding the identification of the emitted wavelength and its relevance to the calculations.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided guidance on using the redshift formula, while others express uncertainty about the availability of the emitted wavelength. The conversation reflects an ongoing exploration of the problem, with differing interpretations of the information provided.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that the problem lacks explicit information about the emitted wavelength, which is critical for the calculations. There is also mention of the Hubble constant and its role in the context of redshift measurements.

b_o3
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hey everyone... so I am tryna solve this problem :

a galaxy shows an emission line at a wavelength of 6610.2 A, which we identify as the H-alpha line in the Balmer series of Hydrogen. what is the redshift and velocity of the galaxy relative to us.

period= 4.3 days
magnitude= 26.25
absolute magnitude= -3.21
distance= 7 800 000

okay so my main problem is trying to get Planck's constant. I'm tryna use v(redshift velocity)=H0(planck's constant) * D

OR should i use Z(redshift)= (wavelength observed-wavelength emitted) / wavelength emitted

thanks!
 
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H0 is the Hubble constant, here.
 
yes it is ...
 
Use
Z(redshift)= (wavelength observed-wavelength emitted) / wavelength emitted
 
yea but i don't have 'wavelength emitted'... i only have wavelength observed :S
 
Wavelength emitted is given as

"H-alpha line in the Balmer series of Hydrogen"

look it up.
 
the wavelength is not exact... and that's not what they meant by that (i think?) because they gave the wavelength and i think they just mentioned the balmer series for clarification... at a wavelength of 6610.2 A, which we identify as the H-alpha line
 
okay i re-did the problem and now i have these values:

distance = 29.46 m
M (absolute magnitude)= -3.21
period= 4.3 days
m(magnitude)= 26.25

i just can't seem to find an equation WITHOUT another value for wavelength (emitted wavelength value_)
 
The whole point about red-shift measurements is to get the frequency difference. The emitted frequency is different and we can measure it here on Earth and compare with what we received.

Your post #7 is just wrong.
 
Last edited:

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