DOPPLER BROADENING Meaning and
Definition
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Doppler broadening is a phenomenon observed in the spectral lines of atoms or molecules due to the motion of the emitting or absorbing particles. It occurs when there is a relative motion between the source of radiation (such as an atom) and the observer (such as a spectrograph). This motion leads to a shift in the frequency of the observed radiation, known as the Doppler shift.
The Doppler broadening effect causes the spectral lines to spread out or broaden, making them appear wider than if there were no motion involved. This broadening is a result of the different velocities of the particles emitting or absorbing the radiation. When the particles are moving towards the observer, the frequency of the radiation appears higher and the spectral line is shifted towards the blue end of the electromagnetic spectrum. Conversely, when the particles are moving away, the frequency appears lower and the line is shifted towards the red end.
The width of the Doppler broadened line is influenced by various factors, including the temperature and velocity of the particles, as well as the mass of the emitting or absorbing species. Higher temperatures and faster velocities lead to broader lines, while lighter particles tend to produce broader lines than heavier ones.
Doppler broadening has important applications in fields such as astrophysics, where it helps determine the velocity of astronomical objects, and nuclear physics, where it is used to study atomic and molecular spectra.
Common Misspellings for DOPPLER BROADENING
- soppler broadening
- xoppler broadening
- coppler broadening
- foppler broadening
- roppler broadening
- eoppler broadening
- dippler broadening
- dkppler broadening
- dlppler broadening
- dpppler broadening
- d0ppler broadening
- d9ppler broadening
- doopler broadening
- dolpler broadening
- do0pler broadening
- dopoler broadening
- dopller broadening
- dop0ler broadening
- doppker broadening
- doppper broadening
Etymology of DOPPLER BROADENING
The word "Doppler" in "Doppler broadening" is named after the Austrian physicist Christian Doppler, who first described the Doppler effect in 1842.
The Doppler effect refers to the change in frequency or wavelength of a wave as observed by an observer moving relative to the source of the wave. It is commonly experienced with sound waves (e.g., the changing pitch of a passing siren) or electromagnetic waves (e.g., the shifting color of a moving star).
In the context of physics and spectroscopy, "Doppler broadening" refers to the broadening of spectral lines due to the Doppler effect. When atoms or molecules are in motion, their spectral lines undergo a broadening effect due to the random variation in velocity and direction of their individual motions. This broadening causes the spectral lines to become wider and less distinct.
