Question

Ben learns that scientists use a visible light spectrum to determine the composition of the Sun and

distant stars. The diagram shown below represents a visible light spectrum from the Sun.
wavelength (nm)
400 420 440 460 480 500 520 540 560 580 600 620 640 660 680 700
violet indigo blue green
A
Which statement BEST explains why scientists can use a visibip light spectrum from the Sun and
other stars to identify composition?
B
C
yellow orange
D
red
The atomic emission lines undergo red or blue shift depending on the
composition of the star.
The atomic absorption lines undergo red or blue shift depending on the
composition of the star.
The atoms of elements in a star's atmosphere emit light at specific wavelengths
that appear as dark lines.
The atoms of elements in a star's atmosphere absorb specific wavelengths of
light that appear as dark lines.

Answer 1

Scientists determine the composition of stars by analyzing the dark lines in the light spectrum, which are caused by elements in the star's atmosphere absorbing specific wavelengths. These absorption lines, compared against known spectra on Earth, reveal the elements present in the stars.

Step-by-step explanation:

Scientists can use a visible light spectrum from the Sun and other stars to identify their composition because the atoms of elements in a star's atmosphere absorb specific wavelengths of light that appear as dark lines. These dark lines, known as Fraunhofer lines, are signatures that correspond to the elements absorbing the light. Each element has a unique pattern of these lines that we can compare with spectra obtained from known elements on Earth. During the history of spectroscopic analysis, astronomers like Joseph Fraunhofer and Sir William Huggins identified these lines and correlated them to specific elements, leading to discoveries such as helium in the solar spectrum.

The answer to the student's question is: The atoms of elements in a star's atmosphere absorb specific wavelengths of light that appear as dark lines. By analyzing those dark lines, scientists determine the chemical elements present in a star's atmosphere.