Sentences with phrase «characteristic wavelength»

The standard explanation for this is that the atoms in the atmosphere of the star absorb some of the light which is emitted, and each element absorbs only some distinct, characteristic wavelengths of light.

Since different elements and compounds absorb light at characteristic wavelengths, astronomers can determine what chemicals make up a planet's atmosphere by measuring the relative amounts of light that come in at particular wavelengths.

Spectrometers can be tuned to detect the wavelengths at which scientists know a given element emits and absorbs light; scientists can then determine the element's presence by whether it emits or absorbs light of certain characteristic wavelengths.

Light at characteristic wavelengths is produced by gas molecules in these galaxies, and the wavelengths are stretched by the expansion of the Universe over the billions of years that it takes the light to reach us.

Then he recalled Louis de Broglie's discovery that all bodies have a characteristic wavelength which enables them to engage in quantum tunnelling and quantum diffraction.

The synchrotron excites atoms in target materials to emit X rays at characteristic wavelengths.

We instead trace clouds of hydrogen atoms, which emit radio waves with a characteristic wavelength of about 21 centimetres.

As the atoms «relax» and their electrons fall back into place, the gas glows at a characteristic wavelength of light — visible, microwave, red, or blue; it all depends on the atom involved.

Previously discovered ELANs are likely illuminated by the intense radiation from quasars, but it's not clear what is causing the hydrogen gas in the newly discovered nebula to emit Lyman - alpha radiation (a characteristic wavelength of light absorbed and emitted by hydrogen atoms).

The chemical bonds in each molecule absorb infrared light of a characteristic wavelength.

Researchers can get clues about the types of chemicals in the atmosphere by analyzing the brightness of wavelengths emanating from it, because all chemicals absorb light of characteristic wavelengths.

In 1965, Jim Gunn (SDSS Project Scientist) and Bruce Peterson predicted that neutral hydrogen atoms would be detected by their light - absorbing signature, creating a trough in the spectrum as hydrogen atoms absorb all the light at a particular, characteristic wavelength.