Emission Spectra

Claim, Evidence, Reasoning

In the Bohr model of an atom, negatively charged electrons are located in specific orbits around a positively charged nucleus. If an electron gains a specific amount of energy, it can jump to a higher-energy orbit. An electron can subsequently lose a specific amount of energy and fall to a lower-energy orbit. Electrons falling to lower-energy orbits emit light of specific wavelengths, which generates each element’s unique emission spectrum. An emission spectrum is the light of specific wavelengths that an element emits when electrons in the atoms go from higher-energy orbits to lower-energy ones.

Question-Read pg 60-61

 Why do elements have unique emission spectra?

Open Ended

Make a Claim  Your claim should be a response to the question stated above.

Question-Read pg 60-61

 Why do elements have unique emission spectra?

Open Ended

Cite Evidence  Identify data or knowledge that support your claim.

Question-Read pg 60-61

 Why do elements have unique emission spectra?

Open Ended

Use Reasoning  Justify how the data and knowledge count as evidence toward supporting the claim.

Open Ended

Share your written argument so that it can be critiqued by one or more classmates. Listen closely and record their feedback. What flaws or weaknesses did your peers identify in your argument? If a counter argument was proposed, do you agree or disagree with the reasoning?