Question

Two students are looking at a brightly lit full Moon, illuminated by the reflected light from the Sun. Consider thefollowing discussion between the two students about what the spectrum of moonlight would look like.Student
1: I think that moonlight is just reflected sunlight, so we will see the Sun’s absorption line spectrum.Student
2: I disagree.An absorption spectrum has to come froma hot, dense object. Since the Moon is not a hot, dense object, it can’t give off an aborption line spectrum.Do you agree or disagree with either or both of the students

Answer 1

Answer:

I agree with the student that think that moonlight is just reflected sunlight, so we will see the Sun’s absorption line spectrum.

Explanation:

Absorption spectrums occur when a white light is passed through a gas. Or simply a light from a hot source passes through a cooler gas. The moon itself is a reflection of the sun, so when it reflects the light from the sun, absorption spectrum lined can be seen. Note that it is the hot gases like hydrogen, oxygen etc in or around the sun that cause absorption spectrum.