Dark lines in the spectra observed from stellar atmospheres indicate that
A) atoms that would produce the missing frequency bands aren't present in the atmosphere.
B) atoms are present in the atmosphere that are absorbing photons of those frequencies.
C) atoms are present in the atmosphere that are emitting photons of those frequencies.
D) atoms that would produce the missing frequency bands are forbidden from doing so because of quantum effects.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The dark lines in the spectra indicate that atoms are present in the atmosphere that are absorbing photons of those frequencies, causing a decrease in the intensity of those specific wavelengths. This can be caused by the atoms absorbing the photons and transitioning between energy levels, resulting in the missing frequencies being absorbed.

Dark Lines in the Spectra Observed from Stellar Atmospheres Indicate