Blundell Thermal Physics · Problem 5.7

The Maxwell–Boltzmann distribution

Physics — Statistical Mechanics · sodium-rms-speed-doppler

Problem

Calculate the rms speed of a sodium atom in the solar atmosphere at 6000 K. (The atomic mass of sodium is 23.) The sodium D lines (λ=5900\lambda = 5900 \AA) are observed in a solar spectrum. Estimate the Doppler broadening in GHz.

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