Matter, Light and Energy Flashcards
What is flux in the context of studying stars, and how is it measured?
Flux is the number of photons passing through an area per second. It is measured by observing the amount of light received from a star.
How is luminosity determined for stars, and why is it considered an intrinsic property?
Luminosity is determined by combining the measured flux with the star’s distance. It is considered intrinsic because it represents the total energy output of the star.
How can we determine the temperature of a star, and what law is used for this purpose?
The temperature of a star is determined by looking at the peak wavelength with Wien’s Law.
What information do emission lines and absorption lines in a star’s spectrum provide?
Emission lines show hot elements in the star’s core, while absorption lines reveal cold elements on its surface.
How does the red/blue shift in the light from a star provide information about its velocity?
The redshift or blueshift in a star’s light indicates its velocity relative to the observer. A redshift indicates motion away, while a blueshift indicates motion towards the observer.
