When we measure the broadening of absorption lines in the ...

[dmcintosh]

When we measure the broadening of absorption lines in the spectrum of an elliptical galaxy, we can infer
 
  A) how quickly the galaxy is forming new stars.
  B) how fast the stars in the galaxy are moving relative to one another.
  C) the galaxy's rotation curve.
  D) the amount of gas and dust in the galaxy.
  E) the mass of the black hole at the galaxy's center.

Question 2

Why can we not measure the mass of elliptical galaxies using the 21-cm line of hydrogen gas?
 
  A) All elliptical galaxies are too far away for us to detect the 21-cm line.
  B) Supermassive black holes in the center of elliptical galaxies disturb measurements of the 21-cm line.
  C) The disorderly motion of the material in elliptical galaxies prevents us from measuring different velocities at different sides of the galaxy.
  D) Elliptical galaxies have little gas, so do not have strong 21-cm line emission.

[C.mcnichol98]

Answer to Question 1

B

Answer to Question 2

D