Absorption Line Practice

Front

What is an absorption line?

Back

An absorption line is a dark line in a spectrum that indicates the absorption of specific wavelengths of light by a substance, typically seen in the spectra of stars.

Front

What elements are commonly found in stars?

Back

Common elements found in stars include Hydrogen, Helium, Carbon, and Calcium.

Front

What is a spectrascope used for?

Back

A spectrascope is a device used to analyze the light spectrum emitted or absorbed by materials, helping to identify their composition.

Front

What type of electromagnetic radiation has the longest wavelength?

Back

Radio waves have the longest wavelength in the electromagnetic spectrum.

Front

What type of electromagnetic radiation has the shortest wavelength?

Back

Gamma rays have the shortest wavelength in the electromagnetic spectrum.

Front

How does temperature affect the absorption lines in a star's spectrum?

Back

Higher temperatures can cause broader absorption lines due to increased motion of atoms, while cooler temperatures result in sharper lines.

Front

What is the relationship between energy and frequency in electromagnetic radiation?

Back

Energy is directly proportional to frequency; as frequency increases, energy increases.

Front

What is the significance of the Balmer series in hydrogen?

Back

The Balmer series represents the set of spectral lines corresponding to transitions of electrons in hydrogen from higher energy levels to the second energy level.

Front

What is the Doppler effect in relation to light?

Back

The Doppler effect refers to the change in frequency or wavelength of light from a source moving relative to an observer, causing redshift or blueshift.

Front

What is redshift?

Back

Redshift is the phenomenon where light from an object moving away from the observer is shifted to longer wavelengths, indicating that the object is receding.