Question

Which two statements best explains how observations of the spectra of light from galaxies are used to support current theories of the origin and evolution of the universe?

A: Galaxies that are further away tend to have larger redshifts
B: the blueshift observed from distant galaxies indicate that galaxies remain stationary relative to earth
C: the redshift observed from nearby galaxies indicates that most galaxies remain stationary relative to earth
D: the blueshift observed from nearby galaxies indicates that the solar system is orbiting a black hole
E: the redshift observed from distant galaxies indicates that they are moving away faster than nearby galaxies

Answer 1

The redshift observed in the spectra of distant galaxies indicates they are moving away from us, which supports the Big Bang theory and the expansion of the universe. Distant galaxies exhibit larger redshifts, demonstrating they are moving away faster than nearby galaxies.

Step-by-step explanation:

Observations of the spectra of light from galaxies support current theories of the origin and evolution of the universe by providing evidence for the expansion of the universe. Galaxies that are further away exhibit a redshift in their emitted light, with this redshift being proportional to their distance from Earth. This observation supports the theory of the Big Bang and the ongoing expansion of the universe, since a redshift signature in a galaxy's spectrum implies that it is moving away from us, with more distant galaxies moving away faster due to the stretching of space.

The two statements that best explain how observations of the spectra of light from galaxies support current theories are:

• A: Galaxies that are further away tend to have larger redshifts.
• E: The redshift observed from distant galaxies indicates that they are moving away faster than nearby galaxies.