How can larger dips in absorption line give more element

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the relationship between the depth of absorption lines in spectral graphs and the concentration of elements such as Magnesium (Mg) and Iron (Fe). A deeper and longer dip in the spectrum indicates a higher presence of the corresponding element. The participants explore how to interpret these dips accurately, emphasizing that a broadening of the absorption line can suggest the presence of multiple elements, with the center of the dip indicating the dominant element. Understanding this relationship is crucial for analyzing the composition of astronomical objects.

PREREQUISITES
  • Basic knowledge of spectroscopy and absorption lines
  • Understanding of elemental composition in astrophysics
  • Familiarity with spectral analysis techniques
  • Knowledge of how to interpret spectral graphs
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the principles of absorption spectroscopy
  • Learn about the spectral lines of common elements like Mg and Fe
  • Study the effects of broadening in spectral lines
  • Explore software tools for spectral analysis, such as IRAF or PySpectra
USEFUL FOR

Astronomers, astrophysicists, and students studying spectroscopy who are interested in analyzing elemental compositions of celestial objects through spectral data.

Phys12
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So I just learned that in a spectrum like this one:

solar_spectra_graph.jpg

(For now, let's concentrate on the graph given below.)

The longer the dip is in the graph, the more the corresponding element is present. However, if each individual color corresponds to a different element, then how can a larger dip mean more of that element. As far as I know, when we take a spectra, we usually get something as it's given in the figure above the graph (the rainbow colored spectra) and I observe that deeper the dip is, more is the blackening in that colored spectrum. But how do we really know that the dip really corresponds to the same element?

If we get a spectrum which is completely black for 1 cm. around Mg and Fe. This would show in the graph as a big dip which stays for a long time. Then what can we deduce about the object we're looking at? Does it have both Mg and Fe a lot or does it have a lot of Mg?
 
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Broadening is symmetrical. If it would have only Mg, or only Fe the band would be centered around a different point than if it were a composite.
 

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