2.13 Compare and contrast atomic emission and absorption spectra and how they are generated.

What is the atomic emission spectrum, and how is it generated?

Definition: The emission spectrum is produced when an atom releases energy as electrons return from higher to lower energy levels.

Generation: Atoms are heated or energized, causing electrons to move to higher energy levels. When electrons fall back, they emit light at specific wavelengths.

Appearance: The spectrum consists of bright lines at specific wavelengths corresponding to electron energy transitions.

Example: The bright lines in hydrogen’s spectrum (like the Balmer series).

What is the atomic absorption spectrum, and how is it generated?

Definition: The absorption spectrum is produced when atoms absorb light at specific wavelengths, causing electrons to move from lower to higher energy levels.

Generation: White light passes through atoms, and the atom absorbs certain wavelengths corresponding to electron energy differences, leaving dark lines in the spectrum.

Appearance: The spectrum consists of dark lines at wavelengths that the atoms absorbed.

Example: The dark lines in the spectrum of sunlight due to absorption by elements in the sun’s atmosphere.

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