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Atomic spectra show individual lines instead of continuous spectra because each line corresponds to a specific energy level transition of electrons within the atom. When electrons move between energy levels, they emit or absorb energy in the form of light at specific wavelengths, creating distinct spectral lines. This results in the observed pattern of individual lines in atomic spectra.

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Which part of the electromagnetic spectrum do the atomic emission spectra show?

Atomic emission spectra show specific wavelengths of light emitted by atoms when electrons transition from higher energy levels to lower ones. These spectra typically lie in the visible and ultraviolet regions of the electromagnetic spectrum.


Who discovered the atomic emission spectra?

The atomic emission spectra were discovered by Gustav Kirchhoff and Robert Bunsen in the mid-19th century. They observed that elements emit light at specific wavelengths when heated, leading to the development of spectroscopy.


What scientists used atomic spectra to develop a model of the atom?

Scientists such as Niels Bohr and Ernest Rutherford used atomic spectra to develop models of the atom. They were able to study the unique wavelengths of light emitted by atoms and used this information to propose new atomic models that helped explain atomic structure and behavior.


Is an atomic emission spectrum a continuous range of colors?

No, an atomic emission spectrum is not a continuous range of colors. It consists of discrete lines of specific wavelengths corresponding to the emission of light from excited atoms when they return to lower energy levels. Each element has a unique atomic emission spectrum due to its unique arrangement of electrons.


What is the difference between a continuous spectrum an a line spectrum?

Dispersion, the separation of visible light into a spectrum, may be accomplished by means of a prism or a diffraction grating. Each different wavelength or frequency of visible light corresponds to a different color, so that the spectrum appears as a band of colors ranging from violet at the short-wavelength (high-frequency) end of the spectrum through indigo, blue, green, yellow, and orange, to red at the long-wavelength (low-frequency) end of the spectrum. In addition to visible light, other types of electromagnetic radiation may be spread into a spectrum according to frequency or wavelength. The spectrum formed from white light contains all colors, or frequencies, and is known as a continuous spectrum. Continuous spectra are produced by all incandescent solids and liquids and by gases under high pressure. A gas under low pressure does not produce a continuous spectrum but instead produces a line spectrum, i.e., one composed of individual lines at specific frequencies characteristic of the gas, rather than a continuous band of all frequencies. If the gas is made incandescent by heat or an electric discharge, the resulting spectrum is a bright-line, or emission, spectrum, consisting of a series of bright lines against a dark background. A dark-line, or absorption, spectrum is the reverse of a bright-line spectrum; it is produced when white light containing all frequencies passes through a gas not hot enough to be incandescent. It consists of a series of dark lines superimposed on a continuous spectrum, each line corresponding to a frequency where a bright line would appear if the gas were incandescent. The Fraunhofer lines appearing in the spectrum of the sun are an example of a dark-line spectrum; they are caused by the absorption of certain frequencies of light by the cooler, outer layers of the solar atmosphere. Line spectra of either type are useful in chemical analysis, since they reveal the presence of particular elements. The instrument used for studying line spectra is the spectroscope.

Related Questions

What effect does the nucleus have on atomic spectra of different elements?

The nucleus of an atom does not directly affect the atomic spectra of different elements. The atomic spectra are mainly a result of the electron configuration and transitions in the electron energy levels. However, the nucleus can indirectly influence the spectra through its impact on the arrangement and energy levels of the electrons.


What has the author G Herzberg written?

G. Herzberg has written: 'Atomic spectra and atomic structure'


What are the limitations of Thomson?

His model cannot explain atomic spectra or radioactivity.


Which part of the electromagnetic spectrum do the atomic emission spectra show?

Atomic emission spectra show specific wavelengths of light emitted by atoms when electrons transition from higher energy levels to lower ones. These spectra typically lie in the visible and ultraviolet regions of the electromagnetic spectrum.


Why is the atomic emission spectra like fingerprints?

Atomic emission spectra are like fingerprints because they are unique to each element. Each element has its own specific set of energy levels and electron configurations, resulting in a distinct pattern of spectral lines when the element emits light. This characteristic pattern can be used to identify and distinguish different elements, similar to how fingerprints are unique to each individual.


Can atomic spectra be explained on the basis of quantum mechanics?

Yes, atomic spectra can be explained and understood through quantum mechanics. Quantum mechanics provides a framework to describe the discrete energy levels of electrons in atoms, leading to the observation of specific wavelengths in atomic spectra. The theory helps explain phenomena such as line spectra and transitions between energy levels within an atom.


What has the author Romas Karazija written?

Romas Karazija has written: 'Introduction to the theory of x-ray and electronic spectra of free atoms' -- subject(s): Atomic spectra, Molecular spectra, X-ray spectroscopy


How did Moseley discover the atomic theory?

Moseley was the first to clear and scientifically justify in 1913 the atomic number studying X-ray spectra of chemical elements. But Moseley hadn't a personal atomic theory, he was not the discoverer of the atomic theory.


What are four unique properties?

Density Melting point Absorption spectra Atomic number


What has the author Robert Duane Cowan written?

Robert Duane Cowan has written: 'The theory of atomic structure and spectra' -- subject(s): Atomic spectroscopy, Atomic structure


Who discovered the atomic emission spectra?

The atomic emission spectra were discovered by Gustav Kirchhoff and Robert Bunsen in the mid-19th century. They observed that elements emit light at specific wavelengths when heated, leading to the development of spectroscopy.


What scientists used atomic spectra to develop a model of the atom?

Scientists such as Niels Bohr and Ernest Rutherford used atomic spectra to develop models of the atom. They were able to study the unique wavelengths of light emitted by atoms and used this information to propose new atomic models that helped explain atomic structure and behavior.