Astronomy Practice Exam

Which tool is primarily used to spread light into a spectrum?

1. Chromoscope

2. Spectrophotometer

3. Lens telescope

4. Spectroscope

The correct answer is: Spectroscope

The tool primarily used to spread light into a spectrum is the spectroscope. A spectroscope is an instrument that utilizes a prism or diffraction grating to disperse light into its constituent colors, forming a spectrum. This device allows astronomers and scientists to analyze the light emitted or absorbed by celestial objects, which provides valuable information about their composition, temperature, density, and motion. The spectroscope works by taking light and passing it through a dispersive element, such as a prism or a diffraction grating, which separates the light into its various wavelengths. By doing so, it enables users to see the different colors (or wavelengths) that make up the light, allowing for detailed analyses. In contrast, other listed options serve different purposes. A chromoscope is used primarily for studying color and cannot effectively separate light into its spectrum. A spectrophotometer, while able to measure the intensity of different wavelengths of light, does not primarily serve to spread light into a spectrum but rather quantifies how much light is absorbed or transmitted at various wavelengths. A lens telescope is designed for magnification and observation of celestial objects but does not disperse light into a spectrum like a spectroscope does.