Exam-style question
Try this first
Explain why the absorption spectrum of a star can provide information about its temperature.
Model answer
What a good answer should say
- The absorption spectrum reveals the presence of specific elements and their ionization states, which depend on the star's temperature.
- Higher temperatures can ionize more elements, resulting in a spectrum that shows fewer absorption lines, while cooler stars show more lines due to the presence of neutral atoms.
Explanation
Why this works
This answer is strong as it connects the absorption spectrum to the physical property of temperature, demonstrating an understanding of how stellar conditions affect spectral lines. It tests the student's ability to analyze the implications of spectral data.
Common mistake
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