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It is the Doppler effect and is caused by the light source or the observer moving towards or away from each other. In basic terms, if the two are moving toward each other then the light waves arrive at the observer more closely packed than when they left the source. That is, the wavelength is shorter and the light becomes shifted towards the blue end of the spectrum. If the two source and observer are moving apart then you get a red shift.

This is analogous to the pitch of a siren which drops as the vehicle passes you and starts receding from you.

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What is the result of refraction of light?

Refraction of light is the bending of light as it passes from one medium to another medium of different optical density. This bending of light causes the light rays to change direction, which is why objects appear shifted when viewed through different mediums, such as air, water, or glass.


Why is light increasingly redshifted as it approaches a black hole?

Light is increasingly redshifted as it approaches a black hole due to the strong gravitational pull of the black hole. This gravitational pull causes the light waves to stretch out, which results in the light being shifted towards the red end of the spectrum.


What causes the frequency of light from a moving object to change?

It is the Doppler effect that causes the apparent shift in the frequency of light or sound waves as the source and observer are moving farther apart or closer toward each other. Use the link below for more information.


What does refratoin mean?

It seems like there might be a spelling error in your question. "Refratoin" likely refers to "refraction," which is the bending of light as it passes through different mediums, such as air and water, causing the light to change direction. This phenomenon is what causes objects to appear shifted when viewed through water or a lens.


Why does a coin appear to be raised in a glass of water?

When light passes from air to water, it refracts due to the change in density. This refraction causes the image of the coin to appear shifted, making it seem like the coin is raised when it's actually at the bottom of the glass.

Related Questions

Why is the light blue shifted in the Andromeda galaxy?

The light from the Andromeda galaxy is blue-shifted because the galaxy is moving towards us due to the effects of gravity and the expansion of the universe. This motion causes the wavelengths of light emitted by the galaxy to appear slightly compressed towards the blue end of the spectrum.


How is light red shifted?

Light is red-shifted when the source of the light is moving away from the observer. This causes the wavelength of the light to stretch, resulting in a shift towards the red end of the electromagnetic spectrum. This phenomenon is a consequence of the Doppler effect in physics.


What is the result of refraction of light?

Refraction of light is the bending of light as it passes from one medium to another medium of different optical density. This bending of light causes the light rays to change direction, which is why objects appear shifted when viewed through different mediums, such as air, water, or glass.


Why is light increasingly redshifted as it approaches a black hole?

Light is increasingly redshifted as it approaches a black hole due to the strong gravitational pull of the black hole. This gravitational pull causes the light waves to stretch out, which results in the light being shifted towards the red end of the spectrum.


Is the sun blue shifted or red shifted?

If you were on a plant looking into the stars the sun would be blue shifted. When looking up at the sky we see the sun moving towards us making it look smaller.


What causes the frequency of light from a moving object to change?

It is the Doppler effect that causes the apparent shift in the frequency of light or sound waves as the source and observer are moving farther apart or closer toward each other. Use the link below for more information.


What causes thumping from tire - Chevy Cobalt?

tires steel inner belt has shifted or separated


What does refratoin mean?

It seems like there might be a spelling error in your question. "Refratoin" likely refers to "refraction," which is the bending of light as it passes through different mediums, such as air and water, causing the light to change direction. This phenomenon is what causes objects to appear shifted when viewed through water or a lens.


What term describes the wavelengths of light from a star that appear to be longer than they actually are?

red shifted


The fact that the light from distant galaxies is red-shifted suggests that the galaxies are?

Moving away from us


Overdrive light on and transmission problems with a 96 protege engine dies when shifted into drive?

There are a number of causes to this problem. Absence of vacuum in the boost center, presence of dust or little stones that may lead to blockage and excess of carbon in the intake.


When a source of light approaches an observer the light appears to be than it actually is?

Blue shifted and when it is moving away it is under a red shift.