Star Spectra - Practice

Front

What is a star spectrum?

Back

A star spectrum is the range of electromagnetic radiation emitted by a star, which can be analyzed to determine its composition, temperature, density, and motion.

Front

What does redshift indicate about a star's movement?

Back

Redshift indicates that a star is moving away from the observer, causing the light waves to stretch and appear redder.

Front

What does blueshift indicate about a star's movement?

Back

Blueshift indicates that a star is moving towards the observer, causing the light waves to compress and appear bluer.

Front

What is an absorption spectrum?

Back

An absorption spectrum is a spectrum that shows dark lines or bands, indicating the wavelengths of light absorbed by elements in a star's atmosphere.

Front

What is an emission spectrum?

Back

An emission spectrum is a spectrum that shows bright lines or bands, indicating the wavelengths of light emitted by excited atoms in a star.

Front

What is the significance of studying star spectra?

Back

Studying star spectra allows scientists to determine the chemical composition, temperature, density, and motion of stars.

Front

What is the Doppler effect in relation to star movement?

Back

The Doppler effect refers to the change in frequency or wavelength of light from a star due to its motion relative to the observer.

Front

What is the relationship between temperature and color in stars?

Back

Hotter stars emit more blue light and appear blue, while cooler stars emit more red light and appear red.

Front

What elements can be found in stars?

Back

Common elements found in stars include hydrogen, helium, carbon, oxygen, and heavier elements like iron and strontium.

Front

How do scientists determine the composition of a star?

Back

Scientists determine the composition of a star by analyzing its spectrum and identifying the absorption lines corresponding to different elements.