Exam-style question
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What causes the absorption lines in a star's spectrum?.
- A.Elements in the star's atmosphere absorb specific wavelengths of light
- B.The star emits light at all wavelengths
- C.The star's temperature affects its brightness
- D.The distance of the star from Earth changes its spectrum
Model answer
What a good answer should say
- Elements in the star's atmosphere absorb specific wavelengths of light
Explanation
Why this works
The cause is the presence of elements in the star's atmosphere. These elements absorb specific wavelengths of light due to their unique energy levels, which leads to the formation of absorption lines in the spectrum.
This effect allows astronomers to identify the chemical composition of the star, which is crucial for understanding its properties and evolution.
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