# Astronomers study the light from distant stars to find out about their properties. Explain how the radiation received from a star can be used to determine its surface temperature and the elements present in its atmosphere.

> Eduqas A-Level Physics — 1.6 Using radiation to investigate stars · Explain · 5 marks

> Scientists can analyse the electromagnetic radiation emitted by stars without ever visiting them. The pattern of radiation across different wavelengths acts as a unique fingerprint for each star.

## Mark scheme (5 marks)

1. Stars emit a continuous spectrum of electromagnetic radiation / light
2. The peak wavelength / colour of the continuous spectrum indicates the surface temperature of the star
3. When light from the star passes through its atmosphere, certain wavelengths are absorbed by elements present
4. This produces dark absorption lines / dark lines at specific wavelengths in the spectrum
5. Each element has a unique / characteristic set of absorption lines, so the lines can be matched to known elements to identify what is present in the star's atmosphere

## Key terms

- [atmosphere](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/atmosphere)

## Related

- [Revision notes for Eduqas A-Level Physics](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Explain" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/astronomers-study-the-light-from-distant-0fadaa9f) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.