All Problems

Optics of Moving Sources

Problem 5.227

When a spectral line of wavelength \(\lambda=0.59 \mu \mathrm{m}\) is observed in the directions to the opposite edges of the solar disc along its equator, there is a difference in wavelengths equal to \(\delta \lambda=8.0 \mathrm{pm}\). Find the period of the Sun's revolution about its own axis.

Reveal Answer
T=4πRλcδλ=25 days, where R is the radius of the SunT=4 \pi R \lambda c \delta \lambda=25 \text { days, where } R \text { is the radius of the Sun}