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Astronomy
Spectral Lines
A. Electrons have a definite binding energy. B. Each element has its own set of energy levels C. If an electron absorbs enough energy, it jumps to a higher energy level. D. When an electron falls, it releases energy in the form of light. E. wavelength inversely proportional to frequency F. Dark lines are produced when a cooler gas absorbs light. G. An emission spectrum shows the chemical element that produced those lines.
Stellar Spectra
A. Predominantly patterns of dark lines on a continuous band of colors. B. Stars bright visible surface is called the photosphere. C. As light travels through the stars outer atmosphere, the cooler gases absorb some colors/wavelengths.
Chemical Composition
A. Our sun was the first absorption spectrum analyzed in 1814 by Fraunhofer 1. Fraunhofer lines--strongest dark lines from the sun B. By comparing the dark lines with spectral lines from other elements, we find whats in the sun.
Spectral Classes
A. Absorption spectra are used to classify stars into 7 types. B. If hydrogen lines are stronger 1. Its not because of more hydrogenALL stars have hydrogen. Stars are classified in the following order: O, B, A, F, G, K, M oh, be a fine girl/guy, kiss me !
Spectral Classes
E. So whats the difference? 1. Stars at different temperatures display certain lines better than others. The temperature is the difference ! class O stars are hottest.class M stars are coolest.
The Spectra of Radiation Emitted with Temperatures of 4500 K, 6000 K, and 7500 K
Things will become bluer when they are hotter. Stars will become redder when they are cooler. If we can find the brightest part of the spectrum of a star, we can find its temperature.
Temperature
B. Every chemical element has a characteristic temperature and density at which its most effective in producing certain lines. C. At extremely high temps.-Helium atoms are ionized; bluer stars (class O) D. Temps. Around 5800 K-metal atoms E. Temps. Below 3500 K-titanium oxide molecules; redder stars (class M)
The Relative Number of Hydrogen Atoms in the Second Energy Level for Various Temperatures
The Number of Hydrogen Atoms with Their Electrons in the Second Energy Level Compared with the Total Amount of Hydrogen, Whether in Atomic or Ionized Form
Propagation of light
Remember that light falls off according to the inverse square law An object 3x farther away will appear 1/32 = 1/9 as bright