Why Don't We See Hydrogen Balmer Lines in the Spectra

question 159

Multiple Choice

Why don't we see hydrogen Balmer lines in the spectra of stars with temperatures of 45,000 K

• A)There is no hydrogen in stars this hot.
• B)The stars are hot enough that most of the hydrogen is ionized and the atoms cannot absorb energy.
• C)These stars are so cool that nearly all of the electrons in the hydrogen atom are in the ground state.
• D)Stars of this temperature are too cool to produce an absorption spectrum.
• E)Stars of this temperature are too hot to produce an absorption spectrum.

---

Definitions:

Heathenism

A term historically used to describe religions and spiritual practices outside of the major monotheistic religions; today, often related to paganism or ancient/pre-Christian belief systems.

Colonization

The process by which a central system of power dominates the surrounding land and its components, often involving the settlement of its population in a new territory.

Native American Slave Trade

The Native American slave trade involved the capture, buying, and selling of Indigenous peoples for labor in the Americas, a practice that predates and extends into the period of European colonization.

Pueblo Revolt of 1680

A rebellion of Indigenous Pueblo people against Spanish colonization and missionary efforts in present-day New Mexico, leading to the temporary expulsion of Spanish settlers.