Which of the following best describes the emission spectrum of atomic hydrogen?
Correct answer: A. Several discrete series of lines with both intensity and spacings between lines decreasing as the wavenumber increases with each series
- A. Several discrete series of lines with both intensity and spacings between lines decreasing as the wavenumber increases with each series
- B. A continuous spectrum with no distinct lines
- C. A few broad, overlapping lines
- D. A single, sharp line
Explanation
This is the correct answer. The emission spectrum of atomic hydrogen is characterized by several distinct series of lines, each representing transitions between different energy levels in the atom. The intensity and spacing between these lines decrease as the wavenumber (frequency) increases within each series. This pattern is a direct consequence of the quantization of energy levels in the hydrogen atom, as described by Bohr's model.Therefore, the emission spectrum of atomic hydrogen is best described as several discrete series of lines with decreasing intensity and spacing as the wavenumber increases within each series
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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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