For Balmer Series Lines to Show Up Strongly in Absorption

question 211

Multiple Choice

For Balmer series lines to show up strongly in absorption in stellar spectra,significant numbers of hydrogen atoms have to have electrons in the n = 2 energy level.What then does the appearance of these lines in a stellar spectrum tell us about the temperature of the star's surface?

• A) The appearance of the lines tells us very little about the temperature because hydrogen gas will show significant Balmer absorption, whatever the surface temperature.
• B) The temperature must be high enough to ionize the hydrogen atoms by collision in order that they can absorb from this level.
• C) The temperature must be reasonably low so that no atoms will have electrons excited beyond this energy level (e.g., to n = 3).
• D) The temperature must be reasonably high to excite the electrons to this level by collisions, but not high enough to ionize the atoms.

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Definitions:

Superstructure

All of the things that society values and aspires to once its material needs are met (e.g., religion, politics, law).

Exploitation

The act of unfairly or unjustly using someone or something for one's own benefit, often at the expense of the exploited party's welfare.

Ideology

A system of ideas, beliefs, and values that shapes the way individuals perceive and interpret the world.

Dramaturgical Analysis

A sociological perspective introduced by Erving Goffman, which likens social interaction to performing on a stage, where individuals manage impressions in front of others.