Explain how red-shift provides evidence for the Big Bang theory.

Red-shift describes the phenomenon whereby the wavelength of light from a source increases as it travels through spacetime, hence observed as being 'shifted' to the red end of the spectrum (as red light has the longest wavelength in the visible spectrum). The red-shift of light from galaxies we observe can be used to determine these galaxies' recessional velocities (the speed at which they are moving away from us), as well as their distance.
Using these red-shift observations, we can determine that galaxies are moving away from us with increasing recessional velocity, indicating that the universe is expanding. If this is the case, there must have been a point in time at which the universe began expanding, when all matter and energy was converged upon a single point (called a singularity): this is the fundamental principle on which the Big Bang theory is based.

AR
Answered by Abbie R. Physics tutor

14537 Views

See similar Physics GCSE tutors

Related Physics GCSE answers

All answers ▸

A musical instrument produces a sound wave with a frequency of 1000 Hz. The sound wave has a wavelength of 0.34 m in air. Calculate the speed of the sound wave in air.


A cyclist travels along a straight flat road. Describe the condition required for the cyclist to continue traveling along the road at a constant speed. How does this condition change if the cyclist travels up a slope?


(A-level but box won't let me change it from GCSE) A particle of charge q and initial speed v is stopped by a potential difference V in distance d and time t. What was its initial momentum?


The amplitude of a simple harmonic oscillator has decreased from 40cm to 38cm. What percentage of energy did the harmonic oscillator lose?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning