An astronomer has a sample of a rarified gas. What kind of spectrum can it produce?
A) It can only produce an emission line spectrum.
B) It could produce an emission line spectrum, or it could produce an absorption line spectrum if placed in front of a bright continuous source.
C) It could not produce a continuous spectrum even if condensed, liquefied, or solidified.
D) It can only produce an absorption line spectrum.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A rarified gas can produce an emission line spectrum when it is excited and emits light at specific wavelengths. If the same gas is placed in front of a bright continuous source, it can absorb light at specific wavelengths, producing an absorption line spectrum.

An Astronomer Has a Sample of a Rarified Gas