Exam-style question
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What can be determined from the absorption spectrum of a star?.
- A.The star's distance from Earth
- B.The elements present in the star
- C.The star's luminosity
- D.The star's age
Model answer
What a good answer should say
- The elements present in the star
Explanation
Why this works
The absorption spectrum shows specific wavelengths of light absorbed by elements in the star's atmosphere. This evidence indicates which elements are present, as each element has a unique absorption pattern.
The implication is that by analyzing these patterns, astronomers can identify the chemical composition of stars. Therefore, the conclusion is that the absorption spectrum is a crucial tool for determining the elements in a star.
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