What physical principle explains how the color seen tells precisely what a meteoroid was made of?
Answer
Atomic emission at characteristic wavelengths
The underlying scientific concept is atomic emission. Every distinct chemical element possesses a characteristic set of precise wavelengths at which it will emit light when it becomes energized. In the high-energy environment of atmospheric entry, the atoms of the vaporized meteoroid material become excited by the intense heat. As these energized atoms cool slightly from their excited state, they shed excess energy by releasing photons, which are registered by the observer's eyes as a specific color. This emitted light spectrum acts as a unique fingerprint, allowing precise identification of the element responsible for that color.
Related Questions
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