In a spectroscopic binary system, the star showing the larger blueshift is:
A)cooler and receding the fastest.
B)less massive of the pair and receding slower.
C)more massive and approaching us.
D)less massive and approaching us at this moment.
E)hotter and receding faster.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

In a spectroscopic binary system, the star showing a larger blueshift is moving towards us, indicating it is approaching. The fact that it shows a larger blueshift does not directly relate to its mass, but in binary systems, the less massive star typically has a larger velocity due to the conservation of momentum.

In a Spectroscopic Binary System, the Star Showing the Larger