Question

How can spectroscopy be used to identify elements in stars?

Answer 1

Hint : Spectroscopy is used by astronomers to view the spectral lines of heavenly bodies. This is a very sophisticated technique. Each element has a unique spectrum that enables the astronomers to identify the particular element in the sky.

Complete Step-By-Step Solution:
We know that every element known to the scientist till date exists in gaseous form and releases a spectrum. Each element has a unique spectrum and this can be used to identify the element.
The science of spectroscopy deals with the study of spectral lines and how they can be used to identify different elements.
Astronomers use this technique to identify elements in stars. Not only that, the properties of a star-like temperature, pressure can also be understood.
Various information about the star can be obtained from the spectral lines. The width of the spectral lines gives us the information about the winds in the star, if the lines are in motion, we can understand that the star is orbiting another star.
We can understand that the mass as well as the density of the star can also be understood using the science of spectroscopy.
When the lines are observed to glow and fade, the physical changes occurring in the star can also be understood. Spectroscopy also enables astronomers to gather information about the interstellar medium that gives us information about the medium present between the stars.

Note:
Spectroscopy is a study used to get information about the atoms and molecules. The varied wavelengths can be obtained as it responds to the stimuli. There can be various types of spectroscopies, these are atomic absorption Spectroscopy (AAS), atomic Emission Spectroscopy (AES), atomic fluorescence spectroscopy (AFS).