Spectral classification of a star into the lettered categories,O,B,A,F,G,K,and M is carried out by:
A) finding the wavelength of peak emission in the continuum spectrum of the star.
B) determining the relative mass of the star by the study of binary star motions, in order to place it into its proper mass classification.
C) determining the total energy emitted at all wavelengths by the star, taking account of the full spread of wavelengths and their distances, in order to place the star into its luminosity class.
D) examining the relative depths of absorption lines from various neutral and ionized atoms in a stellar spectrum.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The spectral classification of a star into the lettered categories is carried out by examining the relative depths of absorption lines from various neutral and ionized atoms in a stellar spectrum. This is because the types and strengths of the absorption lines are determined by the elements and temperature of the star's outer layers, which are related to its spectral type.

Spectral Classification of a Star into the Lettered Categories,O,B,A,F,G,K,and M