How can spectra tell us what things are made of?
Stars and planets are too far away for a human to touch, yet we know what they are made of. Spectra make this possible! Let’s investigate how.Atomic Absorption Part 2: Slideshow
Slideshow. This slideshow can be reviewed as a class discussion, in small groups, or on your own, as instructed by your teacher.
- Slide 1: Consider the two spectra you compared in Part 1, and discuss as a class or a group what you think is happening in the comparison spectrum.
- Slide 2: Learn how atoms and molecules absorb light at specific wavelengths—the SAME specific wavelengths that they emit at.
- Slide 3: Discuss as a class or a group, or consider the schematic showing how atoms can both emit and absorb light, and our point of view impacts what we observe.
