The spectrum of the quasar PKS 2000-330 contains the UV Lyman L_α line (λ₀ = 121.6 nm), which has been shifted into the visible region of the spectrum by a redshift of z = 3.773. What is the shift, Δλ₀, of this radiation in nanometers? A)45.85 nm B)458.5 nm C)701.5 nm D)635 nm

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

We can use the formula for redshift:
$z=\frac{\Delta\lambda}{\lambda_{	ext{observed}}}=\frac{\lambda_{	ext{emitted}}-\lambda_{	ext{observed}}}{\lambda_{	ext{emitted}}}$
Rearranging and solving for $\Delta\lambda$, we get:
$\Delta\lambda=\lambda_{	ext{emitted}}\left(1-zight)-\lambda_{	ext{observed}}$
Plugging in the given values, we get:
$\Delta\lambda=\left(121.6	ext{ nm}ight)\left(1-3.773ight)-\left(1	ext{ nm}ight)=458.5	ext{ nm}$
Therefore, the answer is (B).

The Spectrum of the Quasar PKS 2000-330 Contains the UV