Explain why interstellar molecules are best observed at radio wavelengths

What will be an ideal response?


Interstellar molecules are best observed and studied through their radio emissions because most interstellar molecules are located in cold molecular clouds. In these locations molecules are rarely excited by any means except rotation and vibration. These excitations are very low-energy. Because of the low energy involved in these excitations, very low energy photons are emitted.

Physics & Space Science

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Suppose a satellite orbits the earth so closely that it experiences some drag due to the earth’s upper atmosphere. This will drain away some of the orbital energy of this system, converting it to thermal energy. If this happens fairly slowly, the satellite’s orbit will remain nearly circular. What happens to the radius of this satellite’s orbit as time passes in this case?

A. It slowly decreases. B. It remains the same: just the satellite’s speed decreases. C. It slowly increases

Physics & Space Science

An electron follows a circular path (radius = 15 cm) in a uniform magnetic field (magnitude = 3.0 G). What is the period of this motion?

a. 0.12 ?s b. 1.2 ms c. 0.18 ?s d. 1.8 ms e. 1.8 ?s

Physics & Space Science

Power: If the power rating of a 400-? resistor is 0.80 W, what is the maximum current it can safely draw?

A. 45 mA B. 18 mA C. 4.4 mA D. 2.0 mA E. 320 mA

Physics & Space Science

To study the energy of photoelectrons we measure

A) the potential difference required to stop them. B) the distance traveled in a given time. C) the time taken to travel a given distance. D) their temperature.

Physics & Space Science