What color emission is primarily associated with vaporized Magnesium (Mg) in a meteor?
Answer
Blue-green or teal
Magnesium vapor released during the ablation process of a meteoroid emits light predominantly in the blue-green spectrum, often described as teal. This specific emission is a direct result of the energy transitions of ionized magnesium atoms colliding with atmospheric molecules. When the electrons in these magnesium atoms absorb energy, they jump to higher orbital shells. As they relax back down to their stable resting energy states, they release this energy as visible light at wavelengths corresponding to blue and green. This contrasts with other elements like sodium, which yields yellow/orange, or calcium, which produces violet hues.
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