1.3A Emission Spectrum

When do atoms give out a distinctive colour? How does that relate to metals?

when an electric discharge is passed through vapour of the element. Similarly, metals can be identified by the colour of the flame produced when their compounds are heated in a Bunsen burner.

What is similar and different all magnetic waves?

All electromagnetic waves travel at the same speed, but they differ in their wavelength.

Define frequency

The number of waves that pass a point in 1 second

What is the equation for frequency?

f = 𝜈/λ

S = wavelength in m

c = Speed of light 3.0 x 10⁸ m/s

v = frequency in hz (1/s) ← seconds

What happens when electromagnetic radiation is passed through a collection of atoms?

some of the radiation is absorbed and used to excite the atoms from a lower energy level to a higher energy level.

What produces an emission spectrum?

atoms emitting photons of light when electrons in excited states return to lower energy levels

What does the line of emission that hydrogen produces prove?

the existence of electrons in discrete energy levels, which converge at higher energy levels

What level does Hydrogen emit visible light?

Hydrogen emits visible light when the electron falls to the second energy level (n=2)

Why do lines converge at higher energies? How does this relate to electron transfer?

The lines converge at higher energies because the energy levels inside of the atom are closer together at higher energy. When an electron reaches the highest energy level (n = ∞), the electron leaves the atom and results in an ion.