The Solution to Cosmic Crime: Chemical Fingerprinting

 The Solution to Cosmic Crime: Chemical Fingerprinting

            In order to understand chemical fingerprinting, one must first understand the Bohr Atomic Model and the concept of discrete electron energy levels. Although the Bohr model is now proven to not be entirely correct, it is essential for understanding the cosmic clues that are both emission and absorption lies, as well as the chemical fingerprints of cosmic entities.

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The Bohr Atomic model shows us that every element, ion, and molecule is endowed with a unique and specific set of discrete energy levels. These discrete energy levels, along the electromagnetic spectrum, cause the appearance of both emission and absorption lines. When an electron gains enough energy to move from a lower energy level to a higher energy level, we witness absorption lines. Inversely, when an electron “drops” energy levels, it emits a photon with a wavelength equivalent to the difference in energy between the orbital in which it started and the orbital that it moves to: and emission line. An emission spectrum occurs when viewing a hot, diffuse gas through a prism, and an absorption spectrum occurs when viewing a cold (in comparison the objects around it) gas.

  

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As elements interact with photons, in a multitude of different ways within the vastness of the universe, the electrons possessed by individual atoms exchange energy to enable an electron to move from a low energy electron shell to a shell with a different and greater energy. However, when that same electron returns to a low energy electron shell, energy is released in the form of a photon with specific wavelength equal to the differences in energy—much the same as a bank robber leaves a fingerprint or a trace of DNA after interacting with something in their surroundings. The photon MUST contain the same amount of energy that electron lost—due to the Law of Conservation of Energy—which means that the photon will also has the same specific wavelength exclusive and unique to the element from which it was released. Because of this fact, it is difficult for any element, molecule, or ion to remain hidden among the cosmos (atomic criminals beware!).

            From this information obtained by observing elements on Earth, scientists were able to create a, proverbial, Chemical Identification Database, used to identify any unruly, or criminal, matter on Earth or in space.  Additionally, the information gained enabled scientists to determine two things. Firstly, that chemical fingerprinting could be done with other elements, ions, and molecules. Secondly, that it could be done with distance objects in the universe. chemical fingerprinting has also explained the markings scientists have observed when looking at distant objects through telescopes—each element leaves a spectral “fingerprint”, in the electromagnetic spectrum.

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However, before they were able to understand the meaning of these cosmic “fingerprints”, scientists conducted many laboratory experiments to determine the spectral lines (emission and absorption) of all elements on the periodic table—in addition to many common ions and molecules. Thus, when any spectral lines are observed in a distant object—alone or in conjunction with other lines—the chemical composition of such an object can be determined and cosmic crimes can be solved. Modern scientific advancements and careful analysis have also enabled scientists to accurately predict the quantities and proportions of which elements exist in objects being observed (Criminals, we know who you are working with).

           

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Chemical fingerprinting has enabled scientists to prove that the universe, in its entirety, is constructed of the same elements found here on Earth and discover the composition of distant objects. Chemical fingerprinting also has many practical applications in modern Astronomy (and Universal Forensics). An understanding of the composition of other stars, planets, comets, and other cosmic objects has been essential in the search for other forms of life in the universe. Though determining the chemical fingerprint of the “building blocks” essential to life, astronomers have narrowed their search for life among the stars. chemical fingerprinting has proved itself to be essential in determining the composition of the universe and the possibilities for future exploration, created by the technique, are endless—making chemical fingerprinting truly invaluable to the field of Astronomy. As scientists continue to search for clues about the mysteries of the universe, chemical fingerprinting will be essential in discovering the sometimes “criminal” happenings of matter and energy in the cosmos.