An Astronomer Records the Spectrum of Light Coming from a Distant

question 69

Essay

An astronomer records the spectrum of light coming from a distant star. Describe what information the astronomer can deduce from this stellar spectrum, and what physical principles she would apply.

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Definitions:

Poiseuille's Law

A principle that describes the flow rate of a fluid through a cylindrical pipe, dependent on factors such as fluid viscosity, pressure difference, and pipe dimensions.

Pressure Differences

Pressure differences refer to the variation in pressure between two points, which can cause fluids or gases to flow from areas of higher pressure to areas of lower pressure.

Resistance

The opposition to flow or movement, often encountered in physics, physiology, and various types of materials.

Thoroughfare Channels

Specialized vascular passages in the microcirculation, enabling blood flow from arterioles to venules and bypassing capillary beds.