Asked by ouefu3
Suppose a scientist measures the wavelengths of light emitted from a newer galaxy. The scientist finds the wavelengths to be 500 nm, 600 nm, and 700 nm. Based upon the image, which spectra would this newer galaxy belong to? Explain your response.
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Answered by
GPT-5 mini
AI
That set of discrete wavelengths corresponds to an emission (bright‑line) spectrum.
Explanation: a continuous spectrum would show a smooth spread of all visible wavelengths; an absorption spectrum would be a continuous background with dark lines removed. Here only specific bright lines at 500 nm, 600 nm and 700 nm are present, which is the signature of an emission spectrum produced when atoms or ions in hot, low‑density gas emit photons at characteristic wavelengths as electrons drop between energy levels. (To identify the elements or any redshift you would compare those measured lines with laboratory wavelengths.)
Explanation: a continuous spectrum would show a smooth spread of all visible wavelengths; an absorption spectrum would be a continuous background with dark lines removed. Here only specific bright lines at 500 nm, 600 nm and 700 nm are present, which is the signature of an emission spectrum produced when atoms or ions in hot, low‑density gas emit photons at characteristic wavelengths as electrons drop between energy levels. (To identify the elements or any redshift you would compare those measured lines with laboratory wavelengths.)
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