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Electrons in atoms can only absorb and emit specific wavelengths of light because of the quantized energy levels they can occupy. When an electron absorbs energy, it jumps to a higher energy level, and when it emits energy, it falls back to a lower energy level, releasing a photon of a specific energy and wavelength corresponding to the energy gap between the levels. This results in the emission or absorption of discrete, specific wavelengths of light.

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Can gases emit radiation?

Yes, gases can emit radiation. When a gas is heated, it can emit thermal radiation in the form of light. Additionally, certain gases can absorb and emit specific wavelengths of radiation, such as in the process of fluorescence or phosphorescence.


Why do you see objects as different colors when light is shining on them?

Objects appear to have different colors when light shines on them because they selectively absorb and reflect certain wavelengths of light. The absorbed light energy excites the object's molecules, causing them to emit specific wavelengths of light that we perceive as color. The colors we see are determined by the wavelengths of light that are reflected back to our eyes.


How do the wavelengths of electromagnetic energy absorbed by materials on Earth compare to the wavelengths radiated by materials on earth?

Materials on Earth typically absorb shorter wavelengths of electromagnetic energy compared to the wavelengths they radiate. This is because materials absorb higher energy radiation (such as ultraviolet or visible light) and emit lower energy radiation (such as infrared or thermal radiation).


What are delocalized valence electrons?

Delocalized valence electrons are electrons in a molecule or solid that are not associated with a specific atom but instead spread out over multiple atoms. They are free to move throughout the material, giving rise to properties like electrical conductivity in metals and the ability to absorb or emit light in certain organic compounds.


Why do different elements have different line spectra and not a continuous spectrum of light?

Different elements have different line spectra because each has a unique arrangement of energy levels for its electrons. When electrons transition between these energy levels, they emit or absorb specific wavelengths of light, creating distinct lines in the spectrum. This results in discrete lines rather than a continuous spectrum.

Related Questions

Can gases emit radiation?

Yes, gases can emit radiation. When a gas is heated, it can emit thermal radiation in the form of light. Additionally, certain gases can absorb and emit specific wavelengths of radiation, such as in the process of fluorescence or phosphorescence.


Do atoms absorb the same energy?

No, atoms do not absorb the same energy. The amount of energy an atom can absorb depends on its electronic structure and the specific energy levels of its electrons. Different atoms have different numbers of electrons and different energy level arrangements, so they will absorb and emit energy at different wavelengths and energies.


Why do you see objects as different colors when light is shining on them?

Objects appear to have different colors when light shines on them because they selectively absorb and reflect certain wavelengths of light. The absorbed light energy excites the object's molecules, causing them to emit specific wavelengths of light that we perceive as color. The colors we see are determined by the wavelengths of light that are reflected back to our eyes.


Wavelenghts at which planets emit enregy?

Most planets absorb energy in the light and UV (and shorter) wavelengths. Planets radiate energy in the infrared (heat) and longer wavelengths.


Why does hydrogen emit different wavelengths of light than mercury?

Hydrogen emits different wavelengths of light than mercury because each element has a unique arrangement of electrons in its atoms. When electrons in hydrogen atoms move between energy levels, they emit specific wavelengths of light. In contrast, mercury atoms have different electron configurations, leading to the emission of different wavelengths of light.


Does the metal beryllium emit or absorb radiation?

Beryllium does not readily absorb or emit radiation. However, it is used in certain applications, like in nuclear reactors and X-ray tubes, where it can absorb some types of radiation.


How do the wavelengths of electromagnetic energy absorbed by materials on Earth compare to the wavelengths radiated by materials on earth?

Materials on Earth typically absorb shorter wavelengths of electromagnetic energy compared to the wavelengths they radiate. This is because materials absorb higher energy radiation (such as ultraviolet or visible light) and emit lower energy radiation (such as infrared or thermal radiation).


Why do many transition element compounds exhibit bright colors?

Transition element compounds exhibit bright colors because the electrons in their d orbitals can absorb and emit specific wavelengths of light, leading to the absorption of certain colors and the reflection of others. This phenomenon is known as d-d transition, which results in the vibrant hues seen in many transition element compounds.


Do any parts of the human body glow under UV?

Yes, teeth and potentially bones can emit faint fluorescence under ultraviolet light. This phenomenon is due to certain compounds present in these tissues that can absorb and re-emit light at different wavelengths.


What are delocalized valence electrons?

Delocalized valence electrons are electrons in a molecule or solid that are not associated with a specific atom but instead spread out over multiple atoms. They are free to move throughout the material, giving rise to properties like electrical conductivity in metals and the ability to absorb or emit light in certain organic compounds.


The uniqueness of the spectral line pattern of any element is caused by what?

The uniqueness of the spectral line pattern of any element is caused by the specific arrangement of electrons within its atoms. Each element has a distinct number of protons, neutrons, and electrons, which affects how they emit or absorb light at specific wavelengths. This results in a unique spectral fingerprint for each element.


Close is opposite of open so what is opposite of emit?

The opposite of emit is absorb. Emit means to release or give off, while absorb means to take in or soak up.