My question is simple, yet a thorough search of Google brought me no closer to finding the answer. I found countless articles explaining what the emission spectra of an element was, but none which satisfactorily told me why they contained more than one line.
I understand the core concept. That is, if you add energy to an atom, which may be the heat from the Bunsen flame, the atoms will gain that energy and their electrons may be promoted to a higher energy level. Since this energy level is unstable the excited electrons return to their stable state, emitting energy as visible light, the frequency of which directly relates to difference between energy levels.
My question is do all the electrons jump when energy is applied to them? Do only a selected few jump? Are the jumps for a particular element consistent? What precisely produces the unique spectra for each element? Why, my brain moans to find the answer!
Smart answers please, I also thank you in advance.
2007-02-07
23:39:49
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2 answers
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asked by
iamdaroot
2
in
Chemistry