The gravitational redshift of light should be smallest for light emitted from the surface of:
A) a black hole
B) the Sun
C) a white dwarf
D) a planet like the Earth
E) a neutron star

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The gravitational redshift is the shift in the frequency of photons due to the effect of gravity. According to the equation for gravitational redshift, the shift is proportional to the gravitational potential. Higher the gravitational potential, the larger is the gravitational redshift. The gravitational potential of a planet like Earth is much smaller compared to black holes, the Sun, white dwarfs, and neutron stars. Therefore, the gravitational redshift of light emitted from the surface of a planet like Earth would be the smallest among the given options.

The Gravitational Redshift of Light Should Be Smallest for Light