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Edexcel IGCSE Physics · Spec 8.3

Redshift & the Big Bang

Redshift and the evidence for the Big Bang theory.

Physics revision video

Redshift & the Big Bang

Spec 8.3

What you need to know

  • Explain redshift
  • Describe the evidence for an expanding universe
  • Outline the Big Bang theory

Active recall

Quick check

Answer each question before opening the answer.

What is redshift and what does it show?

Light from distant galaxies is shifted to longer (red) wavelengths, showing they are moving away and the Universe is expanding.

How does redshift support the Big Bang theory?

More distant galaxies show greater redshift, so they move away faster — consistent with expansion from a single point.

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