Hubble's law and the Redshift equation

A worksheet allowing pupils to calculate recessional velocity using the change in wavelength of spectral lines from stars.
This focuses on using the v/c = change in wavelength / wavelength equation.

After answering the 5 questions, pupils can conclude that the more distant the galaxy, the faster it is moving, which makes a great introduction to redshift and the Big Bang Theory.

There is an extension task to plot the recessional velocity against distance, calculate Hubble’s constant and calculate the age of the Universe.
If calculated correctly, pupils should conclude that the Universe is 13.8 billion years old.

Answers included.

The extension task is a great way to stretch and challenge the most able at GCSE, while the main task allows weaker pupils to practice using the Doppler shift redshift equation.
This could also act as a nice task for A-level pupils, studying Hubble’s law.