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What happens to the wavelength of light as it travels outward through the gravitational field of a planet or star so that the field becomes less strong?

A) The wavelength stays the same, but the intensity of the light decreases.
B) The wavelength decreases.
C) The wavelength stays the same, but the energy of each photon decreases.
D) The wavelength increases.

User Ineu
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Final answer:

The wavelength of light increases when it moves away from a strong gravitational field, a phenomenon known as gravitational redshift. The light's frequency decreases due to the influence of gravity, but its speed remains constant.

Step-by-step explanation:

As light travels outward through the gravitational field of a planet or star and the field becomes less strong, the wavelength of the light increases. This phenomenon is known as gravitational redshift. When light leaves a strong gravitational field, it 'climbs out' of the gravitational well, losing energy in the process. The loss of energy due to gravity is evidenced by a decrease in frequency and a corresponding increase in wavelength, but the speed of light remains constant. This behavior reflects the fact that time runs more slowly in stronger gravitational fields, which means that seen from a distance, the light waves appear to stretch out and have a longer wavelength.

User GaboBrandX
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