Spectral lines can act like a _________ to help astronomers identify the chemical _________ of the electromagnetic radiation characteristics of a star.
A)fingerprint; structure
B)class; composition
C)fingerprint; composition
D)composition; fingerprint

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Spectral lines act like a unique fingerprint or barcode for different elements or compounds. By studying the wavelengths of these lines, astronomers can identify the chemical composition of a star or other astronomical object. Therefore, the correct answer is C, which describes spectral lines as a fingerprint for composition. Choice A is close, but "structure" is not the correct term to describe the chemical makeup of a star. Choice B is incorrect because "class" does not accurately describe the role of spectral lines. And choice D is incorrect because it reverses the order of the terms, suggesting that fingerprint is a tool to identify composition, rather than the other way around.

Spectral Lines Can Act Like a _________ to Help Astronomers