If that same object was also emitting light waves, would the observed WAVELENGTH be shorter or longer?*1 pointshorterlonger

To determine whether the observed wavelength of light waves emitted by an object is shorter or longer, we can utilize the concept of the Doppler effect, which describes the change in wavelength (and frequency) due to the relative motion between the source of the waves and the observer.

1. Object Emitting Light: If the object is moving toward the observer, the emitted light waves will be compressed, resulting in a shorter observed wavelength. This is known as blue shift.

2. Object Moving Away from Observer: Conversely, if the object is moving away from the observer, the emitted light waves will be stretched, resulting in a longer observed wavelength. This is called red shift.

Based on this understanding, if we do not know the direction of the object's motion, we cannot definitively conclude whether the observed wavelength will be shorter or longer. However, if the context implies that the object is moving towards the observer, the observed wavelength would be shorter; if it is moving away, the observed wavelength would be longer.

Final Answer

If the object is moving towards the observer, the observed wavelength is shorter. If the object is moving away, the observed wavelength is longer. Without additional context, we cannot definitively choose one over the other.