Why Is Spectral Line Data Useful? Spectral lines are often used to identify atoms and molecules. These “fingerprints” can be compared to the previously collected “fingerprints” of atoms and molecules, and are thus used to identify the atomic and molecular components of stars and planets, which would otherwise be impossible. What do spectral lines tell
What Causes The Spectral Lines To Appear? Spectral lines are produced by transitions of electrons within atoms or ions. As the electrons move closer to or farther from the nucleus of an atom (or of an ion), energy in the form of light (or other radiation) is emitted or absorbed…. What is the cause of
What Does The Spectrum Of A Star Look Like? The spectrum of a star is composed mainly of thermal radiation that produces a continuous spectrum. The star emits light over the entire electromagnetic spectrum, from the gamma rays to radio waves. However, stars do not emit the same amount of energy at all wavelengths. How
What Is The Purpose Of A Spectrograph? A spectrograph is an instrument that separates incoming light by its wavelength or frequency and records the resulting spectrum in some kind of multichannel detector, like a photographic plate. Many astronomical observations use telescopes as, essentially, spectrographs. Who uses a spectrograph? A spectrometer is a device for measuring