Which type of visible light spectrum is produced by the Sun?

• A. Band spectrum
• B. Line emission spectrum
• C. Continuous spectrum
• D. Absorption spectrum

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that the Sun emits light across a wide range of wavelengths, producing a spectrum that includes all visible colors blended together.
2. Recall that a continuous spectrum shows an unbroken sequence of colors or wavelengths without gaps, typical of a hot, dense light source like the Sun.
3. Recognize that a line emission spectrum consists of discrete lines at specific wavelengths, emitted by excited atoms in a low-density gas, which is not the case for the Sun's overall light.
4. Know that an absorption spectrum appears when light from a continuous source passes through a cooler gas, causing dark lines at specific wavelengths where light is absorbed; the Sun's spectrum actually shows this absorption pattern superimposed on a continuous spectrum.
5. Conclude that the fundamental type of visible light spectrum produced by the Sun itself (as a hot, dense body) is a continuous spectrum, although the observed solar spectrum includes absorption lines due to the Sun's atmosphere.