Which element, when ionized, introduces a noticeable violet or purple tinge to a meteor's light?
Answer
Calcium ($ ext{Ca}^{+}$)
Ionized calcium atoms ($ ext{Ca}^{+}$) are responsible for introducing a distinct violet or purple tint into the visible spectrum of a meteor's light. This occurs when calcium atoms, originally part of the meteoroid's structure, are stripped of electrons due to the extreme heat of atmospheric entry and subsequently emit light at characteristic violet wavelengths upon relaxation. While violet is considered a rarer hue compared to the yellow associated with iron or the orange-yellow from sodium, its presence provides a clear spectral fingerprint indicating significant calcium content in the original cosmic debris.
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