Question

question 12 of 20 : select the best answer for the question. 12. which of the following can be used to determine the composition of a star? a. blackbody spectrum b. the star’s magnetic field c. light from sunspots d. line spectra mark for review (will be highlighted on the review page) << previous question next question >>

Explanation:

• Option A: A blackbody spectrum gives information about the temperature of an object (like a star) but not its composition.
• Option B: A star’s magnetic field is related to its magnetic properties and activity, not its composition.
• Option C: Light from sunspots (on the Sun, a type of star) is related to magnetic activity on the star’s surface and not used to determine composition.
• Option D: Line spectra (emission or absorption spectra) are unique to the elements present. When light from a star passes through its atmosphere or is emitted by it, the specific lines in the spectrum correspond to the elements (and their abundances) present in the star, so line spectra can be used to determine the star’s composition.

Answer:

D. Line spectra