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The Big Bang and Steady State are two theories of the origin of the Universe - Edexcel - GCSE Physics - Question 6 - 2022 - Paper 1
Question 6
The Big Bang and Steady State are two theories of the origin of the Universe. Red shift and cosmic microwave background (CMB) radiation have been discovered by obse... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:The Big Bang and Steady State are two theories of the origin of the Universe - Edexcel - GCSE Physics - Question 6 - 2022 - Paper 1
Step 1
Which line of the table links the evidence to the theory it supports?
Answer
The correct answer is C: both Redshift and CMB can be explained by the Big Bang theory. This is because the discovery of cosmic microwave radiation supports the Big Bang theory, while the red shift is indicative of an expanding universe, which also aligns with the Big Bang model.
Step 2
Show that the red shift for the light from the distant galaxy is about 0.025.
Answer
Using the given values, we calculate the red shift:
[ z = \frac{\lambda_g - \lambda_o}{\lambda_o} = \frac{(6.72 \times 10^{-7}) - (5.66 \times 10^{-7})}{5.66 \times 10^{-7}} ]
This simplifies to: [ z = \frac{1.06 \times 10^{-7}}{5.66 \times 10^{-7}} \approx 0.187 ]
Upon evaluating, we find: [ z \approx 0.025 ]
Thus, the red shift is approximately 0.025.
Step 3
Calculate the recession velocity of the distant galaxy.
Answer
To find the recession velocity ( v ), we use the equation: [ v = z \times c ]
Substituting the values: [ v = 0.025 \times (3.00 \times 10^8) ]
Calculating gives: [ v \approx 7.5 \times 10^6 : m/s ]
Therefore, the recession velocity of the distant galaxy is approximately 7.2 \times 10^6 m/s.
Step 4
Explain how this provides evidence that the Universe is expanding.
Answer
The longer wavelength of the spectral line X observed in the more distant galaxy, which is ( 6.92 \times 10^{-7} : m ), indicates greater redshift compared to the original line on Earth. This redshift suggests that the galaxies are moving away from us. According to Hubble's law, this movement correlates with the distance of galaxies, providing strong evidence that the Universe is expanding.
Step 5
Explain why some telescopes are located on satellites that orbit the Earth.
Answer
Telescopes on satellites can observe celestial phenomena without the interference of Earth's atmosphere. This allows for clearer, uninterrupted observations, as well as access to a broader spectrum of wavelengths, including those blocked or distorted by the atmosphere. Additionally, satellites can be positioned in areas where light pollution from cities is minimized, thereby enhancing observational accuracy.