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Chapter 26: Problem 34

The host galaxy of the supernova HST04Sas (see the image that opens this chapter) has a redshift \(z=1.390\). The light from this galaxy includes the Lyman-alpha \(\left(\mathrm{L}_{\alpha}\right)\) spectral line of hydrogen, with an unshifted wavelength of \(121.6 \mathrm{~nm}\). Calculate the wavelength at which we detect the Lyman-alpha photons from this galaxy. In what part of the electromagnetic spectrum does this wavelength lie?

Short Answer

Expert verified
The detected wavelength of the Lyman-alpha line from the galaxy hosting supernova HST04Sas is \(290.624 \, nm\), which falls under the Ultraviolet (UV) range of the electromagnetic spectrum.

Step by step solution

01

Calculation of the shifted wavelength

The shifted wavelength can be calculated by using the formula \(\lambda_e = \lambda_0 \cdot (1+z)\). Substituting the given values, we get \(\lambda_e = 121.6 \, nm \cdot (1+1.390) = 121.6 \, nm \cdot 2.390 = 290.624 \, nm\).
02

Identify the part of the Electromagnetic Spectrum

The electromagnetic spectrum ranges from gamma rays, which have very short wavelengths (less than a nanometer), to radiowaves, which have very long wavelengths. Looking at standard divisions of the electromagnetic spectrum, we observe that a wavelength of 290.624 nm falls in the Ultraviolet (UV) range, specifically near the border of the near and far ultraviolet sections (Near Ultraviolet: 200 - 400 nm, Far Ultraviolet: 100 - 200 nm).

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