Bright Line Spectra and Electrons

Front

What happens to electrons in an atom when they absorb energy?

Back

When atoms absorb energy, their electrons move to higher energy levels.

Front

What occurs when electrons return to lower energy levels after being excited?

Back

Electrons lose energy by emitting light.

Front

What is the emission spectrum of an element?

Back

The emission spectrum is the spectrum of light emitted by an element when its electrons transition from higher to lower energy levels.

Front

What type of lines are produced in an emission spectrum when viewed through a spectroscope?

Back

Bright lines.

Front

What element is known for its characteristic emission spectrum?

Back

Mercury.

Front

What must an electron do to transition from ground state to an excited state?

Back

An electron must absorb energy.

Front

What is the relationship between energy levels and electron transitions?

Back

Electrons can move between energy levels by absorbing or emitting energy.

Front

What is the significance of the bright line spectrum in identifying elements?

Back

The bright line spectrum is unique to each element and can be used to identify the element.

Front

What is the ground state of an electron?

Back

The ground state is the lowest energy state of an electron in an atom.

Front

What is an excited state of an electron?

Back

An excited state is when an electron has absorbed energy and moved to a higher energy level.