Question

Scientists know there is iron in the cool, outer layers of the Sun. Using our knowledge of photon absorption and emission, what proof will be there to prove this fact?

Answer 1

Solution:

Spectrum of the sun is studied using a spectrometer. The spectrum showed lot of absorptionlines in the visible portion of the sun's spectrum. A spectrograph will allow light to be incident on it and the light that passes thru it is separated by wavelength. When heavier elements fuse together they generate less energy than the lighter elements like hydrogen.

The amount of iron in the outer surface is less compared to the gaseous elements. Just before a star is in its dying state, iron and other heavier elements become abundant.