ABSORPTION LINE Meaning and
Definition
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An absorption line is a fundamental concept in physics and spectroscopy. It refers to a dark region that appears in a spectrum, usually in the context of electromagnetic radiation, when light passes through a medium and certain wavelengths are absorbed by the atoms or molecules in the medium.
When light travels through a medium, the atoms or molecules within that medium can absorb specific wavelengths of light that correspond to their unique energy levels or transition states. This absorption results in the appearance of dark lines against a continuous background in a spectrum. These dark lines represent the missing or absorbed wavelengths of light.
The position and intensity of absorption lines provide valuable information about the composition, temperature, and density of the medium through which the light has passed. By comparing the observed absorption lines with known absorption spectra of different elements or molecules, scientists can identify the presence of specific elements or compounds in distant stellar objects, the interstellar medium, or even on Earth.
Absorption lines are commonly seen in the spectra of stars, as they can reveal valuable insights into the chemical composition and physical properties of stars. Furthermore, absorption lines are crucial for understanding the phenomenon of redshift in astronomy, used to determine the distance and velocity of celestial objects.
In summary, absorption lines are dark regions in a spectrum caused by the absorption of specific wavelengths of light by atoms or molecules in a medium. By analyzing these lines, scientists can gain significant knowledge about the composition and physical properties of astronomical or terrestrial objects.
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A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for ABSORPTION LINE
- zbsorption line
- sbsorption line
- wbsorption line
- qbsorption line
- avsorption line
- ansorption line
- ahsorption line
- agsorption line
- abaorption line
- abzorption line
- abxorption line
- abdorption line
- abeorption line
- abworption line
- absirption line
- abskrption line
- abslrption line
- absprption line
- abs0rption line
- abs9rption line
Etymology of ABSORPTION LINE
The term "absorption line" can be broken down into two components: "absorption" and "line".
- "Absorption" is derived from the Latin word "absorbere", which means "to swallow" or "to soak up". In the context of science, absorption refers to the process by which a substance takes in or absorbs another substance or energy.
- "Line" is derived from the Old English word "līne", which ultimately comes from the Latin word "linea", meaning "string" or "cord". In scientific terms, a line often refers to a narrow band or streak.
Therefore, the etymology of "absorption line" relates to the phenomenon where certain substances or materials absorb a particular wavelength or frequency of light, resulting in a dark line within a spectrum.
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