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IB Physics SL C 5 4 Spectral Line Shifts Questions

Interpret spectral red-shift and blue-shift as evidence of relative motion and cosmic expansion, and use Hubble law to calculate distances.

Syllabus
First assessment 2025
Course
Physics SL
Level
SL

Exam points

  • define red-shift and blue-shift by comparing observed spectral-line wavelength with the laboratory or rest wavelength
  • calculate recessional or approach velocity and galaxy distance from spectral-line shifts, Hubble law and the Hubble constant
  • explain how systematic galaxy red-shifts, spectral observations and changing cosmic scale factor support an expanding universe

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Study C.5.4—Spectral line shifts conceptsOpen the corresponding Concept lesson for explanations, examples and exam connections.

IB Physics SL C 5 4 Spectral Line Shifts Questions question 1

[Maximum number: 1]

The Hubble constant is 2.3×10−18 s−12.3 \times 10^{-18} \mathrm{~s}^{-1}.

Outline how observations of spectra from distant galaxies provide evidence that the universe is expanding.

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