Spectral analysis can identify the elements present in a distant star because
Correct answer: A. every element has its own unique pattern of spectral lines
- A. every element has its own unique pattern of spectral lines
- B. all stars contain the same elements
- C. starlight is white
- D. the star's temperature is known in advance
Explanation
The line pattern is fixed by the element's own energy levels, so it acts as a fingerprint that survives the journey across space. Helium was in fact discovered in the Sun's spectrum before it was found on Earth, which is how it got its name. Line positions also reveal motion through the Doppler shift.
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About Atomic Spectra
Atoms emit or absorb light at specific wavelengths because electrons occupy quantized energy levels and change levels by absorbing or releasing photons. The topic covers emission and absorption spectra, spectral series, hydrogen’s line spectrum, energy-level transitions, and the relation between wavelength, frequency and photon energy.
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