Explain in detail the process that takes place when a characteristic line spectrum is observed for (details)?

Question

excited atoms of a particular element?

i tried finding this but could not. PLEASE HELP!

Answer 1

The electrons of the atoms absorb different amounts of energy. The energy causes the electrons to become "excited" and jump to a higher energy level which is farther from the nucleus. In order to return to their "ground state" the electrons must emit this energy. The energy is emitted by the electrons in the form of electromagnetic radiation. Some of this electromagnetic radiation is in the form of visible light, but it could also be gamma rays, X-rays, ultraviolet light, infra-red light, microwaves, or radio waves. Since each element has a different arrangement of its electrons, the way the electrons absorb energy and emit the electromagnetic radiation is unique to each element. We can see the visible light emitted as a spectrum of colors at specific wavelengths.