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It is because the electrons surrounding an atom, say sodium, can only exist at certain energy levels. When a photon (packet of light energy) hits an orbiting electron it only gives energy to that electron if the energy of the photon is exactly enough to move the electron to a higher energy level, if not it doesn't effect the electron. As the energy of a photon is directly proportional to the it wavelength, only certain wavelengths affect an atom's electrons. When they do effect the electrons the photon is absorbed, giving the absorption spectrum.
Emission spectra are the reverse of this process, when an electron cascades back down to its lowest possible energy state after this photon interaction it gives out certain frequencies of light. The energy of this light will be equal to the energy absorbed, so the photons emitted will be equal to the photons absorbed which is why emission spectra look like the inverse of an absorption spectrum.
What else can I help you with?
Why does sodium burn yellow?
When sodium burns, it emits a yellow light due to the specific wavelengths of light that are produced during the process. The excitation of sodium atoms during combustion causes them to release energy in the form of visible light, which happens to be in the yellow part of the spectrum. This emission of light is characteristic of the sodium element.
Why is visible light given off when a salt such as sodium chloride is exposed to a flame?
When a salt like sodium chloride is exposed to a flame, the high temperature causes the electrons of the metal ions (such as sodium) to become excited. As the electrons return to their ground state, they release energy in the form of light. This visible light is the characteristic color emitted by the specific metal ions present in the salt.
Why is the sodium flame is not visible through the cobalt glass?
The cobalt glass absorbs specific wavelengths of light, including those emitted by the sodium flame. This absorption of light by the cobalt glass results in the sodium flame not being visible when viewed through it.
Why are certain colors absorbed into some objects but not others?
colors are different frequencies of light. atoms in objects vibrate in specific frequencies too. objects with atoms vibrating in the frequency corresponding to the color absorb that color and reflect the other frequencies they can't absorb. the color of an object is basically the frequency of light that it can't absorb.
Why sodium give a flame test?
When ignited, sodium atoms absorb energy and become excited. As they return to their ground state, they release this energy in the form of light. The characteristic yellow-orange color seen in the flame test for sodium is due to this process.
What radiation lies at frequencies just blow the frequencies of visible light?
infrared
How do you perceive the different frequencies of light waves?
Different frequencies of visible light are perceived as different colors.
Do visible light waves have higher frequencies than radio waves?
Yes, visible light waves have higher frequencies than radio waves. Visible light waves fall within the range of frequencies on the electromagnetic spectrum that is higher than radio waves.
What color is infrared light and how does it differ from visible light?
Infrared light is not visible to the human eye, but it is typically described as red in color. It differs from visible light in that it has longer wavelengths and lower frequencies, making it invisible to the naked eye but detectable by certain devices like infrared cameras.
Is visible light used for photosynthesis?
Yes,visible light is used. Frequencies of blue and red absorbed effectively
When light from all frequencies of the visible range are combined what is the result?
white light
What kind of light does white light contain?
A mixture of all the visible frequencies.
What is the difference between the colours of visible light?
their wavelengths (frequencies)
The highest frequencies of visible light as interpreted by the brain appear?
Violet
Which has higher frequencies microwaves or visible lights?
Visible light has shorter wavelengths than microwaves. Microwaves, which might be considered the highest energy radio waves, have a longer wavelength (and a lower frequency) than visible light.
Are the frequencies of ultraviolet waves slightly higher than visible light?
Ultraviolet light extends for quite a ways up the electromagnetic spectrum after visible violet ends. Its frequencies are higher. Wavelengths from 400nm to 50nm covering 4 groups of UV.
What has more energy a visible light or infrared light?
Visible light. It has a higher frequency so more energy.
