Explorations: Introduction to Astronomy (Arny), 6th Edition

Chapter 4: Light and Atoms

Thought Questions

1
Why don't atoms emit a continuous spectrum?
2
How can you tell what sort of gas is emitting light?
3
How would a spectrum help you learn what the atmosphere of Venus is made of?
4
If you added more water or carbon dioxide to our atmosphere, how would it alter the loss of heat from our planet? Would you expect the Earth to get warmer or colder? Why?
5
Given that water absorbs microwaves very strongly, can you explain why a Pop-Tart gets very hot inside while its crust stays cool if you heat it in a microwave oven?
6
Your body temperature is about 300 K. At what wavelength do you radiate most strongly? What region of the electromagnetic spectrum is this? Do you understand now how a rattlesnake can bite you in the dark?
7
Why do night-vision cameras use infrared detectors?
8
If you were to look at the spectrum of the gas flame of a stove or the blue part of a Bunsen burner flame, what sort of spectrum would you expect to see: absorption, emission, or continuous? Why?
9
Can you explain why the atmospheric layer containing ozone is much warmer than the levels above and below it?
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