Astrophysics

• What is the process of star formation?

  An interstellar dust cloud collapses under gravity
• What happens to gravitational potential energy during star formation?

  It decreases while kinetic energy increases
• At what temperature does hydrogen nuclei fuse into helium?

  10 million kelvin
• What occurs when radiation pressure equals gravitational force?

  A star is born
• What does a star similar to the sun become after it runs out of fuel?

  Red giant
• What is a planetary nebula?

  Remaining matter from a red giant's death
• What happens to larger stars when they run out of hydrogen fuel?

  They turn into super red giants
• What is the outcome of a super red giant when it exhausts its fuel?

  Supernova explosion
• What determines whether a star becomes a neutron star or a black hole?

  The initial mass of the star
• What is the maximum mass of a white dwarf star known as?

  Chandrasekhar limit
• What happens if the Chandrasekhar limit is exceeded?

  A neutron star is formed
• What can electrons in an atom do regarding energy levels?

  Occupy specific allowed energy levels
• What is the most negative state of an electron called?

  Ground state
• What happens when an electron is ionized?

  It escapes the atom
• What does the energy of a photon relate to?

  It equals hf
• What are the two types of spectra related to energy transitions in atoms?

  • Emission spectrum: hot gas emits photons, showing colored lines on a dark background.
  • Absorption spectrum: hot gas absorbs photons, showing dark lines on a continuous spectrum.
• What causes the emission spectrum?

  Hot gas emits photons at specific wavelengths
• How can different atoms be identified using spectra?

  Each atom has unique spectral lines
• What is a diffraction grating used for?

  To analyze the wavelength of incoming light
• What does the equation d sin(theta) = n lambda represent?

  The relationship in diffraction grating patterns
• What does 'd' represent in the diffraction equation?

  Spacing between individual lines
• What does 'theta' represent in the diffraction equation?

  The angle corresponding to diffraction order
• What is the significance of the number of lines per meter in a diffraction grating?

  It determines the spacing 'd' in the equation
• What is the process of star evolution for different masses?

  It varies from red giants to black holes
• What is the significance of the main sequence in the Hertzsprung-Russell diagram?

  It shows where stars spend most of their life
• What are the characteristics of blue supergiants and red supergiants?

  Blue supergiants are hotter than red supergiants
• What is the concept of energy conservation in electron transitions?

  Energy is absorbed or emitted during transitions
• What is the relationship between energy levels and spectral lines?

  Different energy levels produce unique spectral lines
• What role does the solar corona play in absorption spectra?

  It absorbs specific photons from emitted light
• What is a continuous spectrum?

  A spectrum with all wavelengths present
• What is diffraction in the context of light?

  The spreading of light through gaps or obstacles
• What is the application of diffraction in astrophysics?

  To analyze light from distant stars
• What is the purpose of a diffraction grating?

  To analyze incoming light
• What does diffraction refer to?

  Spreading of light through a gap or obstacle
• What does a diffraction grating consist of?

  Multiple slits along its surface
• What is the result of light passing through a diffraction grating?

  A diffraction pattern on the screen
• What is the equation governing diffraction?

  d sine(theta) = n lambda
• What does 'd' represent in the diffraction equation?

  1 over the number of lines per meter
• What does 'theta' represent in the diffraction equation?

  The angle corresponding to the order of diffraction
• What is the value of 'n' in the diffraction equation?

  The order of diffraction