Gas Absorbs Light: 500nm Wavelength in Lab

In summary, a cold cloud of a gas that absorbs light at 200 nm will exhibit a redshifted absorption line in the spectrum when it is moving away from Earth, due to the Doppler effect. This phenomenon is often utilized in astronomy for studying the movement of objects in space.
  • #1
cpamieta
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Homework Statement


a gas that absorbs light of wavelength 200 nm in the laboratory. Suppose there is a cold cloud of the same gas between you and a hot source of continuum (blackbody) radiation, and the cloud is moving away from Earth. You will see a spectrum with


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


absorption line at a wavelength longer then 200nm. since the cold cloud is moving away so would have a red shift right?
 
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Yes, you are correct. The Doppler effect would cause the wavelength of the absorbed light to be longer (redshifted) due to the motion of the cold cloud away from Earth. This would result in an absorption line at a longer wavelength than 200 nm in the spectrum. This effect is commonly used in astronomy to study the motion of objects in space.
 

1. What is "Gas Absorbs Light: 500nm Wavelength in Lab"?

"Gas Absorbs Light: 500nm Wavelength in Lab" refers to a scientific experiment where a gas sample is exposed to light with a wavelength of 500 nanometers in a laboratory setting. The purpose of this experiment is to study the absorption properties of the gas at this specific wavelength.

2. Why is the 500nm wavelength chosen for this experiment?

The 500nm wavelength is chosen for this experiment because it falls within the visible light spectrum and is commonly used in scientific studies. Additionally, this specific wavelength is known to be absorbed by certain gases, making it a suitable choice for studying their absorption properties.

3. How is light absorbed by gas molecules?

Gas molecules absorb light when they interact with photons, which are packets of energy in the form of electromagnetic radiation. When a photon with a specific wavelength, such as 500nm, interacts with a gas molecule, it can cause the molecule to become excited and absorb the photon's energy.

4. What can we learn from studying gas absorption of light at 500nm?

Studying gas absorption of light at 500nm can provide valuable information about the properties of the gas sample, such as its composition and concentration. This information can be used in various fields, including atmospheric science, environmental monitoring, and industrial processes.

5. How does gas absorption of light affect our daily lives?

Gas absorption of light can have numerous effects on our daily lives. For example, it plays a crucial role in the Earth's atmosphere, regulating the amount of heat and light that enters and leaves our planet. It also affects the colors we see, as certain gases can absorb specific wavelengths of light, leading to the familiar colors of the sky and plants. Additionally, studying gas absorption can help us understand and mitigate the environmental impacts of human activities, such as air pollution.

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