Why Don T We See Hydrogen Balmer Lines in the Spectra

question 47

Multiple Choice

Why don t we see hydrogen Balmer lines in the spectra of stars with temperatures of 3200 K?

• A) There is no hydrogen in stars this cool.
• 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.

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Definitions:

Bisexual Invisibility

The erasure and silencing of bisexual experiences, identities, and communities by presuming that individuals who identify as bisexual are in a temporary phase on their way to mature heterosexual or gay/lesbian identities.

Biphobia

Prejudice, fear, or hatred towards bisexuality and bisexual people, manifesting in discrimination, stereotyping, and exclusion.

Heteronormativity

The belief or assumption that heterosexual relationships are the normal or preferred mode of sexual orientation, often marginalizing other orientations.

Rape Culture

Systemic attitudes reflected in victim blaming that minimize, ignore, and normalize sexual violence against women.