The spectrum of sunlight,when spread out by a spectrograph,has which characteristic appearance?
A) a continuous band of color, crossed by innumerable emission lines
B) a continuous band of color, crossed by innumerable dark absorption lines
C) a series of separate emission lines, characteristic of many elements, that overlap in certain regions of the spectrum to produce short continuum segments
D) a continuous and uniform band of color from violet to deep red

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

When sunlight is spread out by a spectrograph, it shows a continuous band of colors, but with dark absorption lines, caused by the absorption of light by different atoms and molecules in the Sun's outer layers. These lines can be used to identify the chemical composition of the Sun and stars.

The Spectrum of Sunlight,when Spread Out by a Spectrograph,has Which