Description
Why does each element have its own unique spectral signature? how doe
emission lines and absorption lines arise? This lecture is the second
part of a two-part exploration of matter and light, looking at how the
unique spectral-line signatures of atoms are a reflection of their
internal electron energy-level structures. Topics include energy level
diagrams for atoms, excitation, de-excitation, and ionization. There
will be a short demonstration with gas-discharge tubes and slide-mounted
diffraction gratings. For podcast listeners, the last portion of the
class is the demo, for which we do not unfortunately have the resources
to videotape. Recorded 2007 Oct 25 in 1000 McPherson Lab on the
Columbus campus of The Ohio State University.
A new podcast, Astronomy 141, Life in the Universe, is available
for those interested in continuing an exploration of topics in
modern astronomy.
Published 12/06/09
Are we alone in the Universe? This lecture explores the question of how
we might go about finding life on planets around other stars. Rather
than talking about speculative ideas, like the Drake Equation or SETI, I
am instead taking the approach of posing it as a problem of what to look
for...
Published 11/30/07