Chapter 28, Problem 44A

To determine

To explain: If the white light emitted from Earth’s surface appear as a continuous spectrum to someone observing from space.

Explanation of Solution

Introduction:

A continuous spectrum is an emission spectrum that has lights of different wavelengths without gaps. A rainbow is a continuous spectrum.

As white light passes through the Earth’s atmosphere, some energy would be absorbed by the gases in the atmosphere. Therefore, the spectrum of the light emitted from Earth’s surface would have gaps in it. This, therefore will not form a continuous spectrum.

Conclusion:

The white light emitted from Earth’s surface will not appear as a continuous spectrum to someone observing from space