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Chapter 3: Problem 6

What is a line-emission spectrum?

Short Answer

Expert verified
A line-emission spectrum is a series of bright lines against a dark background, corresponding to radiations of definite wavelengths. It is produced when atoms' electrons absorb energy, jump to a higher level, and emit a photon while returning to their original level. These spectra are unique to each element and provide a method to identify an element's presence in distant celestial bodies.

Step by step solution

01

Define a line-emission spectrum

A line-emission spectrum is a series of bright lines against a dark background, each line corresponding to a radiation of a definite wavelength. It is created when an atom’s electrons absorb energy, get excited, and jump to a higher energy level. When they return to their original energy level, they emit a photon, creating a line at a specific frequency in the spectrum.
02

Explain the significance of line-emission spectrum

Line-emission spectra are unique to each element. Each element's electrons are arranged in specific energy levels, so when these electrons return to their original level after being excited, they emit radiation of specific frequencies. This results in a unique pattern of lines which can be used to identify the element.
03

Discuss the application of line-emission spectrum

Line-emission spectrum is widely used in fields like astronomy to identify the chemical composition of far away stars and galaxies. By analyzing the light emitted by these celestial bodies and comparing them to the known line-emission spectra of different elements, scientists can infer what elements make up distant stars and galaxies.

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