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Chapter 22: Problem 9

How does a gravitational redshift differ from a Doppler shift?

Short Answer

Expert verified
The fundamental difference between gravitational redshift and Doppler shift lies in their causes. Gravitational redshift is caused by the effect of gravity on light, reducing its frequency when observed at a higher gravitational potential. Doppler shift, meanwhile, is due to the relative motion between the wave emitter and the observer. Thus, a redshift in Doppler effect indicates an increase in distance (or velocity) between the two, whereas a gravitational redshift can occur even without relative motion, as long as they occupy different gravitational potentials.

Step by step solution

01

Define Gravitational Redshift

Gravitational redshift is a consequence of general relativity. It refers to the process where light or other electromagnetic radiation originating from a source that is in a gravitational field is reduced in frequency, or 'redshifted', when observed in a region at a higher gravitational potential. This is also known as Einstein shift.
02

Define Doppler Shift

The Doppler Shift, on the other hand, is a change in frequency and wavelength of a wave that is perceived by an observer moving relative to the source of the waves. It is split into two different types: redshift and blueshift. Redshift occurs when the source of waves is moving away from the observer, thus increasing the wavelength, whereas blueshift signifies the source of waves moving towards the observer, leading to a decrease in wavelength.
03

Highlight the Key Difference

The key difference between these two phenomena is based on their cause. Gravitational redshift is caused by the effect of gravity on light, while the Doppler shift is due to the relative motion between the source of waves and the observer. Hence, gravitational redshift can happen even when the source of light and the observer are not moving relative to each other, as long as they are located at different gravitational potentials. Conversely, Doppler shift is independent of the gravitational fields of the source and observer, and wholly depends on their relative velocities.

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