Chapter 33, Problem 10Q

To determine

Whether there will be change in the view and the conflicting evidence, if it were discovered that the redshift of spectral lines of galaxies was due to something other than expansion.

Answer to Problem 10Q

Solution:

The idea that the universe if constantly expanding is related to the Big Bang theory, according to which the universe expanded from a very high-density, high-temperature state. This theory will be brought into question if it is discovered that the red shift of spectral lines of galaxies was due to something else. This evidence would be in conflict with the discovery of cosmic microwave background, which is considered crucial evidence in favor of the Big Bang theory.

Explanation of Solution

Distance between the galaxies are measured using the red shift. If the red shift between the galaxies is more, the distance between the galaxies is more. High energy wavelengths are emitted by some very distant objects.