Question

Consider the following questions and write at least two sentences for each question in a single narrative. Tie all of your thoughts together in a single coherent paragraph. Demonstrate scientific understanding of the discussed topic by including examples, law, general rules, or equations that support your ideas. Consider the idea of atomic line spectrum and atomic emission and absorption to consider: A) Can we be sure that light we see from atomic emissions are coming from a particular atom B) Can we identify habitable planets by looking at light from distant solar systems?

Answer 1

A - We cant be sure the light coming from an atomic emission are coming from a particular atom but we can say it is from particular type of atom, it is because each atoms emits a particular emission spectrum, as we can use emission spectrum as a Fingerprint of an element, it is because different element requires different amount of energy to excite them. Eg: if there is a Hydrogen and helium lamp, if we check their spectrum, both will have a completely different spectrum, as helium has two electron and hydrogen have only one electron.

B - Yes, we can identify the planets which are habitable by just observing the light from distant solar system, ie, if we get a solar spectrum, finding maximum value of wavelength and putting it in wein's law gives us the max temperature there in the observing planet, and by observing emission spectrum and comparing with known spectrum, we can identify the elements present in the desired solar system, by checking amount of oxygen , water and other useful elements using emission spectrum allow us to identify such habitable solar systems.