A distribution of light consisting of dark lines on a continuous background is referred to as

Prepare for the Extraterrestrial Life Exam. Engage with in-depth quizzes, including flashcards and multiple-choice questions. Master the material with hints and explanations to boost your exam readiness!

Multiple Choice

A distribution of light consisting of dark lines on a continuous background is referred to as

Explanation:
Dark lines in a continuous spectrum arise when light from a hot, continuous source passes through a cooler gas. Atoms in that gas absorb photons at specific wavelengths corresponding to transitions between energy levels, removing those colors from the beam. The resulting spectrum shows dark absorption lines at characteristic wavelengths, which is called an absorption line spectrum. This differs from an emission spectrum, which shows bright lines on a dark background, and from a continuous spectrum, which has no lines.

Dark lines in a continuous spectrum arise when light from a hot, continuous source passes through a cooler gas. Atoms in that gas absorb photons at specific wavelengths corresponding to transitions between energy levels, removing those colors from the beam. The resulting spectrum shows dark absorption lines at characteristic wavelengths, which is called an absorption line spectrum. This differs from an emission spectrum, which shows bright lines on a dark background, and from a continuous spectrum, which has no lines.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Passetra

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy