Question

Caleb suggests that the data is blue-shifted, and Joseph says that it's red-shifted. Who is correct and how do you know?

A. Caleb because the lines are shifted towards shorter wavelengths, which are blue in color.
B. Caleb because the lines are shifted towards longer wavelengths, which are blue in color.
C. Joseph because the lines are shifted towards shorter wavelengths, which are red in color.
D. Joseph because the lines are shifted towards longer wavelengths, which are red in color.

Answer 1

The correct answer is A. Caleb, because the lines are shifted towards shorter wavelengths, which indicates a blueshift and that the source is moving toward the observer.

Step-by-step explanation:

To determine whether the data is blue-shifted or red-shifted, we need to consider the changes in wavelengths of the light from the source as it moves in relation to the observer. When spectral lines are shifted toward shorter wavelengths, the shift is towards the blue end of the spectrum, indicating that the source is moving toward the observer. This phenomenon is known as a blueshift. Conversely, if the lines are shifted toward longer wavelengths, it is a shift towards the red end of the spectrum, suggesting that the source is moving away from the observer, which is referred to as a redshift.

Based on the information provided, the correct answer is A. Caleb because the lines are shifted towards shorter wavelengths, which are blue in color. This indicates a blueshift, signifying that the source of the light is moving closer to the observer.