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Haynes Kwon
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- Why do we see more absorption lines in stellar spectra than emission lines?
Why do we see more absorption lines in stellar spectra than emission lines?
The light from the very hot interior or near the surface will have a continuous spectrum. The material is very dense and the atoms / ions will be moving very fast. Those factors cause the emitted lines to become bands, which are not easy to identify.Haynes Kwon said:Why do we see more absorption lines in stellar spectra than emission lines?
Absorption lines and emission lines are features observed in the spectra of stars, which are produced by the interaction of light with the atoms and molecules in the star's atmosphere. Absorption lines are dark lines in the spectrum, indicating that certain wavelengths of light have been absorbed by the atoms in the star's atmosphere. Emission lines, on the other hand, are bright lines in the spectrum, indicating that certain wavelengths of light have been emitted by the atoms in the star's atmosphere.
Absorption lines and emission lines are used to study the chemical composition, temperature, and motion of stars. By analyzing the wavelengths and intensities of these lines, scientists can determine which elements are present in the star's atmosphere, as well as their abundance. The width and shape of the lines can also provide information about the temperature and motion of the star.
The absorption and emission lines in stellar spectra are caused by the absorption and emission of light by the atoms and molecules in the star's atmosphere. When light passes through the atmosphere, certain wavelengths are absorbed by the atoms, causing dark lines to appear in the spectrum. Other wavelengths are emitted by the atoms, resulting in bright lines in the spectrum.
The main difference between absorption lines and emission lines is the direction of the light. Absorption lines occur when light is absorbed by the atoms in the star's atmosphere, while emission lines occur when light is emitted by the atoms. Additionally, absorption lines appear as dark lines in the spectrum, while emission lines appear as bright lines.
Yes, absorption lines and emission lines can be used to identify different types of stars. Each element in a star's atmosphere produces a unique set of absorption and emission lines, allowing scientists to determine the chemical composition of the star. Additionally, the presence or absence of certain lines can indicate the temperature and motion of the star, providing further information about its type and characteristics.