Describe how emission spectra are formed and how they can be used to identify the elemental composition of a star.

Electrons are bound to a nucleus in quantised energy levels. As they gain and lose energy they transition between this energy levels by emitting photons. Emitted photons have energies equal to the change in energy of the electron due to the conservation of energy. Since every different element's nucleus has different energy levels, they emit photons of specific energies and wavelengths, providing a unique spectrum of light. By comparing the frequencies of light emitted by stars to known frequencies emitted by elements found experimentally on Earth, the elements present in stars can then be identified.

GP
Answered by George P. Physics tutor

2439 Views

See similar Physics A Level tutors

Related Physics A Level answers

All answers ▸

What is the de Broglie wavelength? Why do we care?


2 identical trolleys of mass M(one is loaded with 2 blocks of mass m) are on a ramp inclined at 35° and are connected by a wire that passes around a pulley at the top of the ramp. They are released and accelerate accordingly. Show that a=(mgsin35°)/(M+m).


Explain what is meant by the term "plastic deformation".


The tip of each prong of a tuning fork emitting a note of 320Hz vibrates in SHM with an amplitude of 0.50mm. What is the speed of each tip when its displacement is zero?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences