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Chapter 10: Problem 14

What is the difference between a continuous spectrum and an emission-line spectrum?

Short Answer

Expert verified
Answer: The main difference between a continuous and an emission-line spectrum is the distribution of wavelengths. A continuous spectrum contains light of all wavelengths without interruptions and is formed by the radiation of hot, dense objects like stars or incandescent light bulbs. An emission-line spectrum, on the other hand, contains light only at specific wavelengths emitted by electrons in atoms when they move between energy levels. This spectrum is seen in gas discharge tubes and can be used to identify elements present in a gas.

Step by step solution

01

Definition and characteristics of a continuous spectrum

A continuous spectrum is a type of spectrum where light of all frequencies (or wavelengths) is present without any gaps or interruptions. This spectrum is the result of the continuous distribution of radiation over a range of wavelengths. Common examples of continuous spectrum sources are incandescent light bulbs, which produce light by heating a wire filament or a hot, dense material like a star.
02

Definition and characteristics of an emission-line spectrum

An emission-line spectrum, also known as a bright-line spectrum, is a type of spectrum where only certain discrete frequencies (or wavelengths) of light are emitted, creating distinct bright lines. This occurs when specific electrons in atoms emit specific frequencies (or wavelengths) of radiation as they move from higher to lower energy levels. A common example of an emission-line spectrum is observed in the light emitted by a low-pressure, fluorescent gas discharge tube, like neon lights.
03

Formation of a continuous spectrum

A continuous spectrum is formed when the radiation of a hot, dense object—such as a star or an incandescent light bulb—passes through a material without any interference or absorption. As the energy levels available to the electrons in the dense material are so closely spaced, the emitted radiation forms a continuous distribution of wavelengths. In other words, the emitted light smoothly transitions from one color to another without any gaps.
04

Formation of an emission-line spectrum

An emission-line spectrum is formed when electrons in atoms are excited and jump to higher energy levels. Once there, they become unstable, eventually dropping back to their original, lower energy levels and releasing energy in the form of photons with specific wavelengths or frequencies. These emitted photons appear as bright lines at the corresponding wavelengths in the spectrum. Since each element has a unique set of energy levels, the emission-line spectrum serves as a "fingerprint" to identify the elements in a gas.
05

Comparing continuous and emission-line spectra

The key difference between a continuous spectrum and an emission-line spectrum lies in the distribution of wavelengths or frequencies. A continuous spectrum contains light from all wavelengths, while an emission-line spectrum contains light only at specific wavelengths where electrons emit photons. Continuous spectra are typically observed from hot, dense materials like stars, while emission-line spectra are seen in gas discharge tubes and can be used as a tool to identify elements present in a gas.

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