Molecular clouds are mapped using _____ gas instead of the most-abundant hydrogen because itradiates at radio wavelengths more efficiently.
A) oxygen III
B) oxygen II
C) helium II
D) carbon monoxide
E) carbon dioxide

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Molecular clouds are mapped using carbon monoxide (CO) because it is a good tracer of molecular hydrogen, which does not emit radio waves easily due to its lack of a permanent electric dipole moment. CO, on the other hand, does emit strongly at radio wavelengths, making it an efficient tool for mapping molecular clouds.

Molecular Clouds Are Mapped Using _____ Gas Instead of the Most-Abundant