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Chapter 37: Problem 7

Radio astronomers have discovered many complex organic molecules in interstellar space. Why were these discoveries made with radio telescopes and not optical telescopes?

Short Answer

Expert verified
Radio telescopes are used to observe organic molecules in space because radio waves interact with these molecules through rotational transitions, leading to emission or absorption of radiation which these telescopes can detect in the radio part of the spectrum. Optical telescopes, dealing with visible light, do not have this interaction and also their view might be blocked by interstellar dust.

Step by step solution

01

Understand the properties of radio and optical telescopes

Radio telescopes are designed to receive radio waves and they are capable of detecting the presence of molecules in space through their emission spectra. On the other hand, optical telescopes work in the visible light spectrum, which is not suitable for detecting the presence of many complex molecules in space.
02

Explain the interaction of radio waves with organic molecules

Radiowaves can cause rotational transitions in molecules. When a molecule undergoes a change in its rotational state, it emits or absorbs radiation at a specific frequency in the radio region of the electromagnetic spectrum. By observing this frequency, radio astronomers can identify different molecules in space.
03

Understand the limitations of optical telescopes in this context

Optical telescopes rely on visible light. This light does not interact with molecules in the same way radio waves do. Furthermore, interstellar dust can block visible light, obscuring the view of optical telescopes. Due to these reasons, complex organic molecules in interstellar space are not observable with optical telescopes.
04

Conclude the exercise

Because radio telescopes pick up signals from radio waves which interact with organic molecules through rotational transitions and can penetrate the interstellar dust, they are better suited for discovering complex organic molecules in interstellar space.

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