Can you explain to me the production of an emission spectrum in terms of the energy states of an electron?
2007-02-24 17:09:50 · 1 answers · asked by Theo Z 2 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Chemistry
Emission spectra are produced when a hot gas has much relative room between the atoms. The heat adds energy to the atoms in the gas and electrons are excited from a lower energy state to a higher energy state. (Other forms of energy can be used besides heat.)
When the electron returns to its lower energy state it releases the additional energy as a photo of light. The amount of energy released will determine the wavelength of the light. This is determined by the difference between the two energy states.
The sum total of all light given off is the emission spectrum. This can be analyzed by separating the different wavelengths of light from each other using a prism or a diffraction grating.
2007-02-28 13:06:52 · answer #1 · answered by Richard 7 · 10⤊ 0⤋