Exam-style question
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How does the temperature of a star affect its spectrum?.
- A.Higher temperatures shift the spectrum to shorter wavelengths
- B.Lower temperatures increase the number of absorption lines
- C.Temperature has no effect on the spectrum
- D.Higher temperatures reduce the brightness of the star
Model answer
What a good answer should say
- Higher temperatures shift the spectrum to shorter wavelengths
Explanation
Why this works
The cause is the increase in temperature of the star. As the temperature rises, the peak wavelength of the emitted radiation shifts according to Wien's law.
This shift to shorter wavelengths means that hotter stars emit more light in the ultraviolet range, affecting the overall spectrum observed. Consequently, this allows for the classification of stars based on their temperatures.
Common mistake
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