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A spectral line is a weaker or stronger region in an otherwise uniform and continuous spectrum. It may result from emission or absorption of light in a narrow frequency range, compared with the nearby frequencies. Spectral lines are often used to identify atoms and molecules.
By comparing these lines with the spectra of elements measured on Earth, we now know that the sun contains large amounts of hydrogen, iron, and carbon, along with smaller amounts of other elements.
When acquiring a spectrum of an astronomical object, astronomers rely upon spectral lines to determine a myriad of physical properties, such as composition, temperature, ionization state, velocity, redshift and more.
Explain how emission line spectra and absorption line spectra are formed; Describe what ions are and how they are formed; Explain how spectral lines and ionization levels in a gas can help us determine its temperature
- Adapted by Jean Creighton
- 2019
Nov 20, 2014 · From spectral lines astronomers can determine not only the element, but the temperature and density of that element in the star. The spectral line also can tell us about any magnetic field of the star.
Apr 10, 2022 · Explain how emission line spectra and absorption line spectra are formed; Describe what ions are and how they are formed; Explain how spectral lines and ionization levels in a gas can help us determine its temperature; We can use Bohr’s model of the atom to understand how spectral lines are formed.
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Learning Objectives. You will be able to distinguish between emission and absorption lines in a spectrum. You will know how spectral lines are produced. You will be able to calculate the energy/frequency/wavelength of a photon absorbed or emitted by a hydrogen atom.
