How is a pulsar's magnetic field strength determined?
A) The number of pulses per second
B) The splitting of its spectral lines
C) The color of light from it
D) The brightness of it

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The magnetic field strength of a pulsar is determined by studying the splitting of its spectral lines through a process called Zeeman splitting. This occurs when the magnetic field of the pulsar causes the energy levels of atoms in its vicinity to split, resulting in multiple spectral lines instead of a single line. By measuring the spacing between these lines, scientists can calculate the strength of the magnetic field. The other options (A, C, and D) are not related to determining the magnetic field strength of a pulsar.

How Is a Pulsar's Magnetic Field Strength Determined