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16: Light and the Sun

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    12662
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    • 16.1: Electromagnetic Spectrum
    • 16.2: Doppler Effect
      This page discusses the Doppler effect, discovered by Christian Doppler in 1842, which explains how wave frequency changes for an observer moving relative to the source. It highlights the phenomena of blueshift and redshift, commonly experienced with sirens. In astronomy, this principle allows for the measurement of stars' and galaxies' radial velocities through spectral line shifts, aiding in the detection of binary star systems and the analysis of stellar rotation.
    • 16.3: Telescopes
      This page explores the various telescopes used in astronomy, including optical, infrared, and radio telescopes, with a focus on reflectors and notable models like the South African Large Telescope and Hubble. It emphasizes the importance of light and spectrometers in analyzing distant celestial objects, allowing for insights into their composition and movement.
    • 16.4: Nuclear Fusion
      This page discusses the Sun as an ordinary star and its role as Earth's main energy source. It explains that stars generate energy through nuclear fusion, primarily converting hydrogen to helium, which produces substantial energy that counteracts gravity and radiates outward. It also mentions how particle accelerators replicate fusion conditions by colliding particles, providing insights into stellar formation and energy generation mechanisms, linking them to processes from the universe's origin.


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