Absorption and Emission Spectra

Front

What is an absorption spectrum?

Back

An absorption spectrum is a spectrum of absorbed light, showing dark lines or bands where specific wavelengths of light have been absorbed by a substance.

Front

What is an emission spectrum?

Back

An emission spectrum is a spectrum of light emitted by a substance, showing bright lines or bands at specific wavelengths corresponding to the energy levels of the atoms.

Front

What is the relationship between wavelength and color in visible light?

Back

In visible light, shorter wavelengths correspond to colors like blue and violet, while longer wavelengths correspond to colors like red.

Front

Which color of light has the highest energy?

Back

Violet light has the highest energy among visible colors due to its shorter wavelength.

Front

Which color of light has the lowest energy?

Back

Red light has the lowest energy among visible colors due to its longer wavelength.

Front

What is the significance of spectral lines in identifying elements?

Back

Spectral lines are unique to each element and can be used to identify the presence of specific elements in a gas or a star.

Front

What is the difference between continuous and discrete spectra?

Back

Continuous spectra show a full range of colors without gaps, while discrete spectra show specific wavelengths corresponding to particular energy transitions.

Front

How can scientists use emission spectra to identify elements?

Back

By comparing the emission spectrum of an unknown gas to known spectra, scientists can identify the elements present in the gas.

Front

What happens to light when it passes through a gas?

Back

When light passes through a gas, certain wavelengths may be absorbed, resulting in an absorption spectrum.

Front

What is the role of temperature in emission spectra?

Back

Higher temperatures can cause more energetic transitions in atoms, resulting in a more intense emission spectrum.