broadening mechanisms

Line broadening mechanisms refer to factors that cause spectral lines—specific colors in a spectrum—to spread out or become wider. These mechanisms include natural broadening (due to the inherent uncertainty in energy states), Doppler broadening (from motions of atoms or molecules, like heat causing them to move faster), and collisional or pressure broadening (from interactions and collisions between particles). Together, these effects make spectral lines less sharp, providing valuable information about temperature, pressure, motion, and density within stars or gases. Understanding broadening helps scientists analyze the physical properties of celestial objects and environments.