Download Proudian Senior Seminar - University of Redlands

Proudian Senior Seminar
Homework #15
Big Bang Chapter 3: (pp 229 – 264)
Part A:
1. Using a spectroscope, light from a star can tell you its:
a. Temperature, distance, and mass
b. Temperature, composition, and mass
c. Temperature, composition, and velocity
d. Temperature, composition, and distance
e. Temperature and composition
2. The red Ha line of Hydrogen has a wavelength of 656.3 nanometers. This line of
hydrogen is observed in 4 galaxies. In Galaxy A it is observed at a wavelength of 656.4
nm, in Galaxy B at 657.3 nm, Galaxy C at 658.5 nm, and Galaxy D at 655.3 nm. Using
this information and Hubble’s Law, which of the following statements is NOT true?
a. Galaxy A is moving away from us.
b. Galaxy B is moving away from us faster than Galaxy A.
c. Galaxy D is the only galaxy in the group that is moving towards us.
d. In this group, galaxy C is the farthest galaxy away from us.
e. None of the above.
3. Look at the figure showing Hubble’s Law for 4 different Universes (each with its own
trend line). Which universe is oldest?
Velocity
a. A.
A
B
b. B.
c. C.
d. D.
C
e. We cannot tell their age from this figure.
D
Distance
4. What’s one topic or idea from the reading, which you did not understand, were
confused about, or would like clarified in class?
Part B:
1. We’ve talked about what makes a good scientific theory. What makes the Big Bang a
good scientific theory?
2. Today there is increasing political/social/scientific debate between conservative
Christianity and the Big Bang. If Hubble had made his discovery today, how do you think
it would play out in the current climate? What does it mean to you that science confirmed
an event of religious faith?
3. Of all the scientists we’ve read about in Big Bang so far, which has done the most to
shape our understanding of the world/universe we live in? Justify your choice.