Quick Reference
A measure of the strength of a line in a spectrum. An emission line is an increase in the intensity of a spectrum, while an absorption line is a dip. The equivalent width is the width of the spectral continuum that has the same area as the line. Values are negative for emission lines, positive for absorption lines.
Subjects: Astronomy and Astrophysics.
Related content in Oxford Index
Reference entries
Users without a subscription are not able to see the full content. Please, subscribe or login to access all content.