Why Are Balmer Absorption Lines Very Weak in the Spectra

question 187

Multiple Choice

Why are Balmer absorption lines very weak in the spectra of stars with low surface temperatures-significantly below 10,000 K, for example?

• A) The hydrogen atoms have to be hot enough to be ionized in order to show Balmer absorption.
• B) There is no emitted continuum radiation at Balmer-line wavelengths when the gas is so cool, so absorption will not be seen.
• C) Atoms need electrons that have been excited by high temperatures to the n = 2 level to undergo Balmer absorption.
• D) Hydrogen atoms have no electrons in any energy levels at these temperatures.

---

Definitions:

Introduction Stage

The initial phase of the product life cycle, characterized by slow sales growth and investments in marketing and production setup.

Marketing Goals

Specific objectives that a business aims to achieve through its marketing efforts, such as increasing brand awareness or sales.

Skimming Pricing

A pricing strategy involving setting high prices initially and then gradually lowering them over time.

High Initial Price

A pricing strategy where a new product is introduced to the market at a high price point to recuperate development costs and target early adopters.