The emission spectrum of hydrogen consists of
Correct answer: B. a set of sharp, discrete lines at fixed wavelengths
- A. a continuous band of all wavelengths
- B. a set of sharp, discrete lines at fixed wavelengths
- C. a single wavelength only
- D. no radiation at all
Explanation
A line spectrum arises because the electron can occupy only certain energy levels, so only certain energy differences, and therefore only certain photon frequencies, are possible. A hot solid gives a continuous spectrum instead, because its atoms interact strongly. Every element has its own line pattern, which is why spectra identify elements in stars.
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About Atomic Spectra
Atoms emit or absorb light at specific wavelengths because electrons occupy quantized energy levels and change levels by absorbing or releasing photons. The topic covers emission and absorption spectra, spectral series, hydrogen’s line spectrum, energy-level transitions, and the relation between wavelength, frequency and photon energy.
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