Interstellar space (the space between the stars) is filled with extremely low-density hydrogen gas. In the vicinity of a hot star, this gas can be heated to a very high temperature. This hot, low-density gas will
A) emit light at specific wavelengths characteristic of hydrogen, among other elements.
B) emit light at all wavelengths in a blackbody spectrum, with emission lines characteristic of hydrogen superimposed on the spectrum.
C) emit light at all wavelengths in a blackbody spectrum characteristic of a hot gas.
D) reflect light at specific wavelengths characteristic of hydrogen.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The hot, low-density hydrogen gas will emit light at specific wavelengths characteristic of hydrogen, known as emission lines, due to the excitation of hydrogen atoms.

Interstellar Space (The Space Between the Stars) Is Filled with Extremely