What information about an astronomical object can be determined by observing itsspectrum?
A)its temperature
B)its radial motion
C)its chemical composition
D)whether it has a strong magnetic field
E)all of the above

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

All of the above options can be determined by analyzing an astronomical object's spectrum. The temperature can be determined by studying the shape of the spectrum, the radial motion can be determined by observing Doppler shifts in the spectrum, the chemical composition can be determined by observing specific absorption or emission lines in the spectrum, and the presence of a magnetic field can be inferred from the polarization of the spectrum. Observing an astronomical object's spectrum can provide information about its temperature (through its peak wavelength), its radial motion (through Doppler shifts), its chemical composition (through the presence and intensity of various spectral lines), and even whether it has a strong magnetic field (through the splitting of spectral lines in a magnetic field, known as the Zeeman effect). Therefore, all of the above options are correct.

What Information About an Astronomical Object Can Be Determined by Observing