Definition of unshifted spectral lines?

In summary, the conversation is about the concepts of redshift and blueshift and the question of how to determine if something is "unshifted." The speaker also asks if there is a standardized way to define or map an element's unshifted spectral lines. The responder clarifies that the standard of reference for measuring absorption lines is in laboratory conditions.
  • #1
Pilutiful
2
0
Hi,
N00b question :-)
I have read articles about redshift and blueshift and have a good idea about them. What I would like to know is how you decide if something is "unshifted" - what is the definition of this? is there a standardized way of defining/mapping an element's unshifted spectral lines?
Hope this makes sense...

Spectral-Lines-shifted-spectra.jpg
 
Space news on Phys.org
  • #2
You can measure what the absorption lines of e.g. hydrogen are in laboratory conditions. This is your standard of reference.
 
  • Like
Likes DrClaude
  • #3
Bandersnatch said:
You can measure what the absorption lines of e.g. hydrogen are in laboratory conditions. This is your standard of reference.
Thanks for the clarification.
 

Related to Definition of unshifted spectral lines?

1. What are unshifted spectral lines?

Unshifted spectral lines refer to the characteristic wavelengths of light emitted by an atom or molecule in its ground state. These lines are not affected by external factors such as motion or magnetic fields.

2. How are unshifted spectral lines different from shifted spectral lines?

Unshifted spectral lines are not affected by external factors and remain constant, while shifted spectral lines are altered by external factors such as motion or magnetic fields, resulting in a change in their characteristic wavelengths.

3. What causes spectral lines to shift?

Spectral lines can be shifted by various factors such as the motion of the emitting source, the presence of magnetic fields, or the interaction with other particles. These shifts can provide valuable information about the properties of the source.

4. Why are unshifted spectral lines important in scientific research?

Unshifted spectral lines serve as a reference point for studying the effects of external factors on spectral lines. By comparing shifted lines to unshifted lines, scientists can better understand the properties and behavior of the emitting source.

5. How are unshifted spectral lines used in different fields of science?

Unshifted spectral lines are used in a variety of scientific fields including astronomy, chemistry, and physics. They are used to identify and study different elements and molecules, and to determine the properties of distant objects in the universe.

Similar threads

B Does the CMB itself tell us that it started at 3000K?
    • Cosmology
Replies
23
Views
1K
I Photons being blueshifted when crossing evolving voids?
    • Cosmology
Replies
0
Views
515
I Dark energy and the kinematic Sunyaev-Zeldovich effect?
    • Cosmology
Replies
22
Views
908
I CMB creation, distance measurement question
    • Cosmology
Replies
7
Views
1K
Estimating Error in Wavelength from Graphical Approach
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
11
Views
688
I Composition of the Sun: How We Know via Spectral Absorption Lines
    • Astronomy and Astrophysics
Replies
10
Views
2K
I Understanding the Ly-α Forest for EnSlavingBlair
    • Cosmology
Replies
5
Views
2K
I Recreating Spectral Response from 6-Channel Color Sensor
    • Optics
Replies
2
Views
847
Transform the periodic table of chemical elements.
    • Electrical Engineering
Replies
15
Views
2K
Units of Fourier Transform (CTFT) vs spectral density
    • Electrical Engineering
Replies
2
Views
1K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top