FRAUNHOFER LINES Meaning and
Definition
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Fraunhofer lines, also known as spectral lines or absorption lines, refer to a series of dark lines or gaps that are observed in the electromagnetic spectrum of the Sun. These lines were first identified and studied by the German physicist Joseph von Fraunhofer in the early 19th century.
The Fraunhofer lines are formed when certain wavelengths of light emitted by the Sun's hot, outer atmosphere or photosphere are absorbed by cooler elements in the Sun's outer layers, such as gases or atoms. These cooler elements act as a filter, absorbing specific wavelengths of light and creating dark lines or gaps in the spectrum. Each of these lines represents a particular element or molecule that caused the absorption, allowing scientists to identify and analyze the composition of the Sun and other celestial bodies.
The most prominent and well-known Fraunhofer lines are the H (hydrogen) and K (ionized calcium) lines, which appear as dark absorption lines in the Sun's spectrum. They were named after their discoverer, Joseph von Fraunhofer. Other notable Fraunhofer lines include the G line (neutral iron) and the more faintly visible lines of sodium (D line), magnesium, and other elements.
Fraunhofer lines are essential tools in stellar spectroscopy, enabling scientists to determine the chemical composition, temperature, and other important properties of stars and celestial bodies by analyzing the specific absorption lines present in their spectra. These lines have also provided valuable insights into the study of atomic physics, as they represent the interaction between light and matter.
Common Misspellings for FRAUNHOFER LINES
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- traunhofer lines
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- feaunhofer lines
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- fraynhofer lines
- frahnhofer lines
- frajnhofer lines
Etymology of FRAUNHOFER LINES
The term "Fraunhofer lines" is derived from the name of Joseph von Fraunhofer, a German physicist and optical instrument manufacturer of the 19th century. He extensively studied the phenomenon of spectral lines in the spectrum of light emitted by the sun.
